Chihana calls for stronger protection of human rights as Malawi marks international human rights day
Malawi’s Second Vice President, Enock Kamzingeni Chihana, has led the nation in commemorating this year’s International Human Rights Day in Nkhata Bay, urging Malawians to treat human rights as essential to daily life and development.
Chihana, who represented President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, said the commemoration—held under the theme “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials”—was not just a symbolic event but a powerful reminder that dignity, equality and justice must be upheld for all citizens.
He noted that as the world marks 77 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted and the UN celebrates 80 years of its founding, Malawi must reflect honestly on progress made and the gaps that remain in ensuring no citizen is left behind.
“Human rights are the water we drink safely, the health worker who treats us with respect, the school that welcomes every child and the courtroom that delivers justice without fear or favour,” he said, emphasizing that rights must be experienced in households, communities and workplaces, not only written in laws.
The Vice President outlined key government priorities, including improving health services, expanding access to justice, protecting children from exploitation and early marriage, promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities, strengthening economic and social rights, ending gender-based violence, and enhancing transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.
He stressed that government remains committed to reporting to human rights mechanisms and strengthening data systems, saying, “What gets measured gets done.”
Chihana commended the Malawi Human Rights Commission for its A-status accreditation under the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, describing it as a mark of independence and national pride.
He acknowledged the Commission’s financial and operational challenges and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to timely funding and safeguarding its independence. He also thanked development partners such as UNDP, Iceland and Norway for their continued support to human rights work in Malawi.
Calling for collective responsibility, Chihana urged citizens to stand up against violence, discrimination and corruption, and to support survivors of abuse while promoting peace and dignity in their communities.
He closed by assuring Malawians that President Mutharika remains committed to advancing the protection and promotion of human rights across the country.
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