On Malawi’s signing of the African Disability Protocol

Press release
On Malawi’s signing of the African Disability Protocol

Monday, 7th February 2022

The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) commends President Lazarus Chakwera for signing the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (the Disability Rights Protocol). The signing of this important Protocol has come at a right time when people with disabilities in the country are facing so many threats to their rights, including attacks on persons with albinism, and violations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHRR expects that Malawi’s signing of this Protocol will bring a wealth of benefits to people with disabilities, including enhancing their equal participation in the socioeconomic development of this country. It is sad that despite the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi guaranteeing equal rights for everyone, people with disabilities continue to be left behind in many areas, including public appointments, a case in point being the new cabinet, which does not even feature a single person with disability.

CHRR urges President Lazarus Chakwera to walk his talk on empowerment of persons with disabilities. CHRR also urges the Chakwera administration to move quickly to review the Disability Act of 2012 and related policies to ensure that they are in line with the provisions of the Protocol.

Signed by:

Michael Kaiyatsa
Executive Director