The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has called on district councils to adopt and implement a human rights-based approach in their service delivery systems, emphasizing the critical role that local government officials play in promoting and protecting human rights.
This call was made on Wednesday during a human rights-based approach training session organized by the commission for council officials and various stakeholders in Dowa District.
Speaking during the training, Deputy Director of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights at MHRC, Wishes Pendame, said the initiative aims to equip council officers with practical knowledge on integrating human rights principles into their daily work.
“There is a noticeable knowledge gap among some government officers regarding human rights. This often contributes to the violation of rights in the workplace and within communities,” Pendame told Chisomo Online. “By understanding and applying a human rights-based approach, council officials can significantly improve the quality and inclusivity of public service delivery.”
Responding to the training, Martin Mm’baya, Director of Finance at Dowa District Council, who represented the District Commissioner, described the session as timely and impactful.
“This training has come at the right time. It addresses key gaps that have existed among many officers due to limited understanding of human rights issues,” said Mm’baya. “It will help enhance accountability, transparency, and equity in how we serve the people.”
The training aligns with MHRC’s broader mandate to promote human rights awareness and strengthen governance structures at all levels. The commission is expected to roll out similar sessions in other districts across the country.
(By Boniface Selemani)
