The 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

23 February – 31 March 2026

Item 6: UPR Malawi

Joint Oral Statement by Association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration (AMHRI) and Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ)

Delivered by Danila Pulinets / GICJ

We welcome Malawi’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review and acknowledge the efforts made to strengthen the protection of human rights. In particular, we note the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2024 and initiatives to promote inclusive education and support persons with disabilities. We also recognise national strategies addressing gender-based violence and efforts to improve birth registration and child protection.

At the same time, several important challenges remain.

Child marriage continues to affect girls under the age of 18, limiting their access to education, health, and future opportunities. Despite legal reforms establishing 18 as the minimum age for marriage, more than 15,000 cases of child marriage were recorded in 2023 alone. Stronger enforcement of the law, along with sustained community engagement and education, is needed to eliminate this harmful practice and ensure that girls can fully enjoy their rights.

Child labour also continues to affect many children, especially in rural areas, where some work in difficult and unsafe conditions and are deprived of their right to education and development. According to national data, around 14 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 17 are engaged in child labour, highlighting the need for stronger monitoring, protection mechanisms, and social support for vulnerable families.

Association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration and Geneva International Centre for Justice are also concerned about the impact of food insecurity and climate-related challenges on children’s well-being and nutrition. These pressures continue to affect many communities and contribute to rising levels of child malnutrition. We encourage Malawi and its international partners to strengthen social protection and food security programmes to better support vulnerable communities.

We encourage Malawi to continue increasing efforts to protect children’s rights and address poverty and food insecurity.

Thank you.