Human Rights Commission Launches Rights Awareness Campaign in Balaka

The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has launched a community awareness campaign in Balaka District to encourage people to report all forms of human rights abuse.

MHRC principal officer Rasford Chilaro said that many people especially the elderly, men and these with disabilities continue to face violations especially gender-based violence but often remain silence due to fear, stigma and lack of information.

The initiative which is being funded by United Nations Development Programme (UND), aims to promote the use of support systems such as the police, judiciary and social welfare offices.

Speaking on the matter, Balaka District Social Welfare Officer Stanley Kamphiripiri Chisi, highlighted a rising concern in suicide cases among men due to unreported GBV incidents stressing them.

Local leaders have welcomed the campaign saying that it will empower them as leaders and community committee to reinforce laws that prevent abuse and promote respect for human rights.

The campaign is part of MHRc’s broader efforts to strengthen human rights protection across the country.