Statement at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Adoption of the UPR report of Malawi
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS
Thank you, Mr Vice-President.
CIVICUS, the Centre for the Development of People, and the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation welcome the government of Malawi's engagement with the UPR process.
Since its last review, Malawi has only partially implemented two out of 19 recommendations related to civic space. While in the previous cycle, the government accepted 13 recommendations, it appears to have backtracked on this commitment in this cycle.
CIVICUS and its partner organisations are deeply concerned that the government did not accept any recommendations in relation to harassment, intimidation and attacks against civil society activists, human rights defenders and journalists that curtail the fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association and expression. Instead, the state has continued using laws and security personnel to harass, intimidate and persecute of civil society activists, HRDs and journalists.
Additionally, the government did not accept recommendations related to freedom of expression, independence of the media and access to information.
We urge the government to uphold its human rights obligations by implementing the 2017 Access to Information Act and other progressive laws and policies, and creating an enabling environment for civil society and human rights defenders. At the same time, accelerate the process of institutional reform with a view to further improving the enjoyment and enforcement of human rights without delay.
We thank you.
