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Malawi prepares first African Charter report

Malawi will for the first time submit periodic reports to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights since the ratification of the African Charter in 1989, MHRC chairperson Sophie Kalinde has said.

Speaking at the opening of a working session on the preparation of the Human Rights State Party and Shadow Report in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, on Thursday, Kalinde said Malawi is the only country in the Sadc region and one of the 12 in Africa that have not submitted any report.

Article 62 of the African Charter obligates State parties to the charter to submit every two years, a report on the legislative or other measures taken with a view to giving effects to rights and freedom recognised and guaranteed in the charter.

“The initial report is supposed to be submitted two years after ratification and periodic reports submitted every two years after the initial report. Malawi has a backlog of 11 reports to submit.

“I am happy that this is now a thing of the past and we are gathered here to discuss this very important report. Malawi Government should be commended for filling this gap,” she said.

She said Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) is aware of challenges that government and other stakeholders face in compiling such reports.

Kalinde said the State party reporting system is an accountability platform that serves as a forum for constructive dialogue and getting feedback.

“States are able to take stock of their achievements, progress and failures, therefore, contributing to strengthening human rights compliance on the part of government as the primary duty bearer,” she said.

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