MHRC in labour justice audit
By Feston Malekezo:
Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has recorded an increase in the number of labour rights violations which companies owned by foreigners commit.
The rate of complaints stands at over 92 percent.
To investigate the cases, MHRC would undertake a labour justice audit as the complaints manifest violations of fair and safe labour practices as provided for in the Republic of Malawi Constitution.
MHRC Executive Secretary, David Nungu, Tuesday said they would investigate all companies which employ foreigners when Malawians have equal qualifications for the job.
“These violations and abuses of rights contribute to denying people from enjoying their full socio-economic rights. The commission has decided to carry out a labour audit justice, focusing on businesses and companies which foreigners own.
Advertisement“If a company is employing people from outside the country but such categories require that such people should come from Malawi, then we would investigate how work permits were issued,” Nungu said.
Nungu said the audit aims at establishing the extent to which foreigners- dominated businesses, companies and multi-national corporate entities comply with human rights.
“We will seek remedies to redress sustained violations of human rights and make appropriate recommendations,” he said.
Labour rights activist Frank Adin hailed MHRC for the public inquiry, saying it would address challenges which employees face in companies which foreigners own.
Adin encouraged companies to promote freedom of association for workers to form trade unions freely.
Meanwhile, MHRC has asked employees who feel that such companies violated their rights to submit their complaints to the commission by July 28 2019.
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