UN gives govt. ultimatum on rights implementation
The United Nations (UN) has given government a one-year ultimatum to implement recommendations made at the 111th Geneva session.
Human rights commissioners on civil and political rights for the UN gave the deadline on Friday during a news conference at the end of their two-day visit to the country.
Leader of delegation Zonke Majodina said she was happy Malawi has been very cooperative, but expected government to fulfil its promises.
“Let me commend Malawi for submitting its human rights report after 21 years of silence.
“We are here to follow up on how government is complying on gender-based violence and judicial killings,” said Zonke.
Some recommendations made in Geneva want government to improve prison conditions, repeal laws which criminalise lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter sex (LGBTI); and conclude a number of cases and inquiries such as the Robert Chasowa murder.
The commissioners held talks with government officials, political leaders and civil society groups during their visit.
Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) executive director Timothy Mtambo observed that government has a duty to promote, protect and fulfil the rights of its citizens.
“Government has to show seriousness by fulfilling what it presented at the UN’s 111th Geneva session,” said Mtambo.
The delegation has since left for South Africa and will return in December for a follow-up visit.
