MHRC For Promotion Of ESCR

Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has expressed the need to promote Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) in the country.

MHRC commissioner Martha Chizuma made the remarks in Lilongwe during the opening ceremony of National Human Rights Coordination Forum, saying Malawi still remains behind in ESCR section.

“As a human rights organisation, we have noted that as a nation we are still behind hence citizens are not fully enjoying Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

“For instance, you can notice that schools that were built a long time ago are dilapidated which is unacceptable,” said Chizuma who is also the country’s Ombudsman.

She furthermore said MHRC and other stakeholder organisations will ensure that the problems are dealt with and that the rights are fully realised by Malawian citizens.

“MHRC and other stakeholders are mandated to promote and protect human rights in Malawi as such we are working hand in hand in scrutinizing carefully issues regarding human rights.

“As an agent of State, we are interfacing with different human rights defenders in looking into these problems,” Chizuma said.

ESCR are human rights concerning the basic social and economic conditions needed to live a life of dignity and freedom relating to work and workers’ rights, social security, health, education, culture and others.