The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has challenged the newly launched Utawaleza Coalition to champion necessary reforms in order to advance minority rights.

Director of Civil and Political Rights at the MHRC, Peter Chisi, said, for instance, the coalition must advocate for the review and reform of laws, policies, societal attitudes, and perceptions that continue to hinder the protection and promotion of the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community in Malawi.

The coalition has been set up by the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP) with support from the UNDP grant, “Building a Unified National Coalition of LGBTIQ Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Malawi.”

Chisi said the initiative will help strengthen coordination and amplify advocacy efforts for the protection of minority rights.

“Yes, we have Human Rights Defenders, but most of them focus on general issues. When you look at this one, especially the area of their focus, it is very strategic and critical to the promotion of the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community,” said Chisi.

CEDEP Executive Director, Gift Trapence, and Chairperson of the Utawaleza Coalition, George Kachimanga, said HRDs from the LGBTIQ community face personal security risks and systemic stigma.

According to the two, the coalition will help address these challenges through improved coordination, information sharing, and collective advocacy among members.

Deputy Ambassador to Norway, Rannveig Rajendram, said her country is committed to promoting inclusive societies, saying human rights are not selective.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/timveniradio/posts/the-malawi-human-rights-commission-mhrc-has-challenged-the-newly-launched-utawal/1409399837866192/