EU signs 3 human rights grants
The European Union (EU) has signed agreements with three organisations to provide grants to enable them implement projects focusing on human rights.
The beneficiary organisations are Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Irish Rule of Law and Redd Barna (Save the Children Norway).
Speaking during the signing of the grants in Lilongwe, EU Ambassador Rune Skinnebach said the projects are aimed at promoting human rights.
He said: “Clamping down on civic space is by and by becoming more widespread. Commendably, Malawi continues to enjoy a free and open space and there are continued avenues to discuss, criticise and to engage governance players with ultimately a goal of improving lives of various men, women and children, in whose name we hold these positions.”
The three beneficiary institutions have received 1400 000 euro (about K26.6 billion) for various projects.
In a vote of thanks, MHRC executive secretary Habiba Osman said the grant will enable her organisation to carry out projects that are in line with the commission’s mandate.
She said: “We have an old law which was drafted before the current Constitution. It is, therefore, very imperative to ensure that we align the reforms and policies around the Constitution as well as the international treaties that we are signatory to.
“This is the right time where we can complement the efforts of stakeholders working in this area.”
MHRC has received 200 000 euro to support the implementation of a project called Promotion and Protection of Rights of
Refugees and other Migrants in Malawi.
According to a communication from the EU, MHRC will work with various partners, including government, civil society organisations, development partners and the media to investigate and document human rights violations during the relocation of refugees to Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa.
On the other hand, Redd Barna (Save the Children Norway) has received a total of 600 000 euros and will be implementing a project called Phungu Wanga (My MP), primarily in the Parliament of Malawi with some community work in Balaka, Rumphi and Mchinji districts.
The project’s overall objective is to strengthen the capacity of Parliament of Malawi on both members of Parliament and the secretariat to better perform its legislative, oversight and representative functions for good governance.
The Irish Rule of Law has received 600 000 euros to implement a project called Protecting and Promoting the Rights of Prisoners in Malawi’s Prisons and other places of detention.
The project seeks to address challenges that are found in Malawian prisons such as lack of food and nutrition, lack of legal representation, lack of access to health services, including mental health services and sexual and reproductive health services and lack of rehabilitative initiatives
