By Wezzie Gausi:
Malawi is gearing up for its fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) under the United Nations Human Rights Council, a critical moment for the country to reflect on progress made and areas that need improvement in the promotion and protection of human rights.
The UPR is a peer-review mechanism where UN member states evaluate each other’s human rights performance.
It provides stakeholders with an opportunity to assess national achievements, highlight challenges and promote dialogue on best practices in line with international standards.
According to Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Executive Secretary Habiba Osman, Malawi is taking the process seriously and has already made strides in preparing for the review.
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Osman said collaboration among MHRC, the Ministry of Justice and civil society had made it possible to make evidence-based submissions that reflect the lived realities of Malawians, particularly those in vulnerable communities.
“This project has supported the development of the National Report and shadow reports by both the Malawi Human Rights Commission and civil society organisations,” Osman said. “It’s a milestone that allows us to measure how far we’ve come and, more importantly, to hold ourselves accountable in the areas where we are falling short.”
Speaking during the launch of a human rights advocacy engagement in Lilongwe, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Fenella Frost said the UPR process played a critical role in supporting Malawi’s long-term development.
“The UPR is not just a reporting process; it is a vital tool for strengthening dialogue, addressing structural inequalities and improving coordination among institutions that are mandated to protect rights,” Frost said.
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She also acknowledged the UNDP’s role in supporting national institutions such as the MHRC and the National Statistics Office (NSO) in their data-driven human rights work.
“We are pleased to have contributed to the development of Malawi’s National Report and to be part of a process that strengthens government capacity and promotes greater accountability,” she said.
Malawi’s upcoming UPR will include the presentation of its National Report to the UN Human Rights Council, along with independent submissions by rights institutions and civil society.
