Centre for Human Rights Rehabilitation (CHRR) and Centre for the Development of People (Cedep) have called on government to implement comprehensive measures to protect the rights of the elderly.
The two made the call following continued attacks of elderly people over witchcraft allegations.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, CHRR and Cedep emphasised that government needs to take serious steps in protecting the elderly persons, particularly in rural areas.
“Specifically, we call for the urgent review of the archaic Witchcraft Act to provide enhanced protections for those unjustly accused of witchcraft,” reads the statement.
CHRR and Cedep have also emphasised on the need for awareness campaigns for communities to embrace the elderly.
In an interview yesterday, Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare spokesperson Pauline Kaude said government was also concerned that cases of violence against elderly people were rampant.
She said efforts are being made to curb the violence.
“More financial resources are also required to build the capacity of community governance structures to effectively respond to violence against the elderly persons,” she said.
Malawi National police spokesperson Peter Kalaya commended CHRR and Cedep for taking interest in issues of violence against the elderly, saying there is need for more organisations to take part in the fight against attacks on elderly persons.
