Malawi government urges collaboration in fighting disasters
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare has said there is need for all people to join hands in mitigating impact of the emergencies on vulnerable groups.
Gender Minister Patricia Kaliati made the remarks in Salima on Saturday during commemoration of World Population Day held at Kaphatenga Primary School ground.
“In addition to the work that government and other partners are doing in mitigating impact of emergency situations on vulnerable populations, let me call upon all of us including politicians, religious and community leaders to play a role,” Kaliati said.
She suggested such things as taking part in conserving the environment through planting trees and exploring opportunities that empower women such to raise the level of female participation in education.
The commemoration was held under the theme “supporting vulnerable populations in emergencies”.
The vulnerable groups Kaliati cited included women, children, especially the girl child, young people, people with disabilities and people living with HIV and Aids.
“During emergencies, these people face greater risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, violence, forced marriage, reproductive health-related illnesses, and death due to lack of protection and inadequacy of aid to address their needs.”
UNFPA Country Representative Violet Kakyomya urged government and the international community to step-up efforts in protecting the vulnerable populations.
“On this World Population Day, we call upon government of Malawi and the international community to redouble efforts to protect the health and rights of women and girls in emergencies. We must all work together to ensure that perpetrators of sexual violence are brought to justice. By prioritising health, rights of vulnerable populations in our humanitarian responses, we increase the prospects for a more just, stable and peaceful country,” Kakyomya said.
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