President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting human rights and strengthening institutions responsible for safeguarding the freedoms of Malawians.
Mutharika made the commitment on Thursday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe when he met outgoing Commissioners of the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), whose three-year mandate ended on August 26, 2026.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the President and the outgoing commissioners to reflect on the Commission’s achievements, challenges and its role in promoting human rights, good governance and accountability.
Mutharika commended the commissioners for their contribution to protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children and the elderly.
He also praised the Commission’s work in promoting access to information, describing it as important for transparency, accountability and meaningful citizen participation in national affairs.
The President said his administration would continue creating an environment in which human rights are respected and protected, while ensuring that institutions mandated to uphold those rights have the capacity to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
Mutharika also acknowledged the financial challenges that have affected the operations of the MHRC and pledged to increase government efforts to ensure the Commission is adequately funded.
The President said strengthening institutions such as the MHRC is essential to consolidating Malawi’s democratic governance and ensuring that citizens can exercise their fundamental rights without fear or intimidation.
Outgoing MHRC Commissioner Chikondi Chijozi Jere said the engagement with Mutharika allowed the commissioners to brief him on the Commission’s achievements, challenges and future outlook.
The meeting comes as the outgoing commissioners conclude their three-year tenure, with Mutharika signalling his administration’s intention to place human rights protection and institutional strengthening at the centre of its governance agenda.
