BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s right agency Malawi Human Rights Commission (MRA) is probing two public institutions Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) and Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA)’ officers for sexual harassments reports.
The commission is also probing Chambo Girls Academy on child sexual abuse reports.
In a public statement issued on August 3, 2024 and signed by MHRC chairperson Chikondi Chijozi, the commission is calling the general public those abused to be part of the inquiries for testimonies.
“The Malawi Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is a National Human Rights Institution established by the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi. Section 129 and 130 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi provides the functions and powers of the
Commission which includes “to investigate human rights violations and make recommendations as are reasonably necessary for the effective promotion of human rights on its volition or following an application by an individual of class of persons”.
“Further, the Commission’s operations are guided by the Human Rights Commission Act (Caps 38.03 of Laws of Malawi) under section 12 and 13. The Commission under the Gender Equality Act (2013), is entrusted with enforcement powers which among others ensures that all acts of sexual harassment are prohibited and prevented”, reads MHRC statement in part.
MHRC adds, “The Commission has been receiving allegations of sexual harassment and abuse as well as child sexual abuse and exploitation from different institutions in both plain and anonymous complaints. The Commission has received allegations of sexual harassment from Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) and child sexual abuse and exploitation from Chambo Girls Academy.
“As part of the investigations and in pursuant to sections 16 (1) and 17 of the Human Rights Commission Act, the Commission intends to hold a public hearing to consolidate the facts and evidence surrounding the allegations of sexual harassment and abuse at MRA and PPDA as well as child sexual abuse and exploitation at Chambo Girls Academy and make appropriate recommendations to relevant authorities on the matter”.
The commission states, “Given the number of anonymous reports that have come from the above-named institutions, the Commission is calling upon past and present staff of MRA and PPDA as well as parents, teachers, Students (where former or current) at Chambo Girls Academy, and all those that have knowledge and information on any incidence of sexual harassment and abuse at MRA and PPDA as well as child sexual abuse and exploitation at Chambo Girls Academy to come forward, give evidence and testify during the public hearing to be slated soon”.
MHRC appeals, “The Commission shall ensure full protection of all informants as it strives to be proactive in the fight against sexual harassment in workplaces and the protection of children in learning institutions.
All those willing to make a submission or testify during the hearing should contact the following people: Deborah Banda – 0999204422. Priscilla Thawe – 0999003555, Jamila Madukani – 0999641691, Grace Jere – 0991337837
Or to deborah.tambulasi@mhrcmw.org; jamila.madukani@mhrcmw.org; priscilla.thawe@mhrcmw.org; grace.jere@mhrcmw.org;
The closing date for receiving the submissions and expressions of interest to testify during the public hearing is 30th August 2024 at 4:30 pm”.
The Commission reiterates its commitment to ensuring that all human rights issues involving these cases are meticulously investigated and reported transparently. Hence, the public is hereby notified that the hearing shall be open to the public and the media
when commenced after soliciting evidence.
“The Commission would like to assure the public that it shall always endeavor to promote and protect the rights of everyone in
Malawi. In particular, the Commission shall ensure that the rights of women and children are fully protected and safeguarded at all costs in Malawi,” says Chikondi Chijozi.
