Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has submitted a new audit report to the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare calling for the urgent prohibition of corporal punishment across all settings.
The report, handed over in Lilongwe yesterday to Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza, highlights critical legal and policy
ambiguity. | Ulemu Mwenye
gaps that continue to expose children to physical abuse at home, in schools and in care institutions.
Speaking during the presentation, MHRC executive secretary Habiba Osman noted that while Section 19 of the Constitution prohibits cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment, the absence of specific provisions banning corporal punishment allows harmful practices to persist.
“This legal ambiguity allows harmful practices to continue unchecked,” she said.
MHRC deputy director for Disability and Elderly Affairs Jeremiah Mpaso, who presented the audit findings, stated that several
child-related laws lack clarity on corporal punishment.
“We aim to highlight laws that are not explicit when it comes to corporal punishment,” he said.
In her remarks, the minister described corporal punishment as a deeply rooted cultural practice that continues to violate children’s rights.
She said: “Corporal punishment is still a big problem affecting children’s right to protection.
“Unfortunately, it occurs most often in places meant to be safe— homes, schools and communities.”
National Children’s Commission executive director Benedicto Kondowe welcomed the report and pushed for broader institutional reforms
