The 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

23 February – 31 March 2026

Item 6: UPR Malawi

Joint Oral Statement by International-Lawyers.Org and Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ)

Delivered by Melody Ugochi Nnaji /GICJ

Thank you.

We welcome Malawi’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review and commend the Government for its continued cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. Malawi’s acceptance of a large number of recommendations during this review cycle reflects its commitment to strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights.

We recognise the efforts undertaken since the previous review to strengthen national human rights institutions, including the work of the Malawi Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman. Initiatives aimed at expanding access to justice, including the activities of the Legal Aid Bureau and legal literacy programmes across communities, are also important steps toward strengthening the rule of law.

International Lawyers and Geneva International Centre for Justice also acknowledge legislative and policy efforts to advance gender equality and promote transparency and accountability within public institutions.

Despite these positive steps, important challenges remain. Women and girls continue to face gender-based violence and harmful practices, including child marriage and crises of unsafe abortions as a result of the criminalisation of abortion. Barriers to equal access to education and justice also persist in several communities. Continued efforts are also needed to ensure that national human rights institutions are adequately resourced and able to effectively fulfil their mandates.

Strengthening transparency and accountability within public institutions will also remain essential to building public trust and ensuring the full protection of human rights.

We look forward to Malawi’s continued engagement with the UPR process and to further progress in promoting justice, equality and human dignity.

Thank you.