Human rights defenders (HRDs) have called for a review of restrictive laws that shrink the civic space, including the Cybersecurity Act, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Act and Police Act.
Speaking during the commemoration of the International Human Rights Defenders Day in Mzuzu yesterday, Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa asked the government to move beyond rhetoric and deliver measurable reforms that expand civic freedoms and protect HRDs.
He said that in recent years, Malawi has witnessed a rise in the use of laws to restrict civic freedoms; hence, calling for amendment of the Cybersecurity Act to ensure that it protects digital rights.
Kaiyatsa further demanded the revision of the NGO Act and impartial enforcement of the Police Act to guarantee freedoms of association, assembly and expression.
He said: “HRDs across Malawi face intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrests, digital surveillance, smear campaigns and in some cases, death threats. We urge government to demonstrate commitment to the protection of defenders by establishing a national protection mechanism.”
In a solidarity statement with Tanzania, the HRDs, represented by Youth and Society executive director Charles Kajoloweka, called on President Peter Mutharika and Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Heads of State and Government to convene an urgent extraordinary summit to address the leadership crisis in that country in the aftermath of the October 29 2025 disputed elections.
In his contribution during a panel discussion, HRD Sylvester Namiwa lamented that the citizenry elect leaders who detest accountability and called for solidarity among HRDs in protecting civic space.
Meanwhile, Malawi Human Rights Commission says the International Human Rights Day commemorations will be held today in Nkhata Bay under the theme ‘Human rights, our everyday essentials’.
There was no representation from the Executive arm of government at the commemoration. Initial reports suggested that Second Vice-President Enock Chihana would be in attendance.
