The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation and Centre for Development of People, have learnt with great shock the devastation the continuous downpour has caused on the country in the process claiming 48 lives and leaving at least 70, 000 people displaced nationwide and several property destroyed.
The CSOs express sadness that 15 districts including Rumphi, Machinga, Mangochi, Salima, Mulanje, Karonga, Phalombe, Nsanje and Chikhwawa have been adversely affected with this catastrophe.
CHRR and Cedep offered their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray that their souls rest in peace.
The CSOs acknowledged that we are facing a crisis that requires urgent and robust solutions in the best interest of the nation not only from government but also all key stakeholders including the civil society, faith community, media, international community and others.
In their statement they applaud all stakeholders, both locally and internationally, who have responded swiftly in providing various forms of assistance to the victims.
The statement also commended President Peter Mutharika for taking lead in government’s response to this emergency by amongst other things appealing for concerted, unified efforts from all stakeholders to ensure that all prevailing problems resulting from this catastrophe are sorted out.
The statement further said the CSOs join hands with the President and the government by appealing for increased national and global response to help in alleviating the problem at hand bearing in mind that human rights issues are at stake due to the catastrophe.
The statement however warned government to continue adhering to its responsibilities, roles and duties, as provided for by both domestic and international law, when faced with such crisis.
The much-needed support from all stakeholders should be there to complement the already existing efforts being done by government in the good interest of all. We advise government to also come up with clear transparent, monitoring mechanisms to ensure that all resources meant for such purposes reach the intended targeted people.
It’s high time we all joined hands and complement the current government’s efforts towards a lasting solution in the best interest of the victims and human rights for all.
May the souls of those who have lost their lives rest in eternal peace!!!!
