By Mercy Matonga:
State-funded Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has bemoaned the rising cost of living and tough economic environment, describing them as an infringement on human rights.
This is according to the commission’s recent report on the social, political and economic situation in Malawi.
The report highlights that the current situation is leading to violations of several economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to economic activity, dignity, adequate standard of living, food and health.
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“This is all happening against a backdrop of slow economic growth and rising inflation (projected at over 3.6 percent), largely due to the effects of Covid and volatile global geopolitical and economic trends, which have caused significant public distress,” the report reads.
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The report also raises concern over the continued depletion of limited foreign exchange reserves through external travel and the purchase of inputs under the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) for the 2022-23 planting season, which reportedly involved foreign exchange.
“The commission is seriously concerned about recent developments regarding the dubious procurement of AIP supplies, which have reportedly resulted in the loss of K750 million. It is alleged that the government paid K750 million to a UK firm, Barkat Foods Limited, contracted to procure fertiliser on its behalf,” the report adds.
The report recommends that the government review the Social Protection Programme in terms of its design, implementation and reach to ensure it effectively cushions vulnerable Malawians against the adverse effects of the rising cost of living and fuel shortages.
Responding to findings of the report, Information Minister and government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu said the government was aware of the challenges, “which are global challenges too”.
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“We are doing everything we can do to end the sufferings that Malawians are facing. For the social protection issues raised, we have a system that has been put in place and, as for AIP, we keep on improving each and every time we are implementing it,” Kunkuyu said.
He further said the coming of the mega farms and other initiatives such as loans which are being given to people would help to uplift the lives of Malawians.
