Chakwera Leads The Nation In Commemorating Human Rights

Blantyre, Malawi: President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, has on Monday led the nation in commemorating the International Human Rights Day and the 75th Anniversary of Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR).

Chakwera presided over the event at Chigumukire School ground in Chileka, Blantyre where he renewed his government’s commitment to embrace fundamental principles on human rights and the rule of law.

This year’s Human Rights day comes at a time when the Malawi leader continues to score highly from the international lens in as far as the upholding of human rights is concerned.

Many human rights activists, both local and international, have recently contend that Chakwera’s government has over the years managed to reset Malawi’s human rights record by capitalising on the goodwill from Malawians and the global community.

Chakwera repeatedly advocated for justice, equality and dignity for all Malawians irrespective of race, gender, religion, political affiliation and tribe, among others.

Over the years, before Chakwera took over the reigns of power, Malawi’s human rights record sunk to record low on the back of human rights abuses and poor governance which led to many development partners cloreinsheir aid avenues to Malawi.

In June 2011, for example, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) withheld the US$350 Compact Program aid package over poor governance and human rights abuses.

In his message ahead of this year’s Human Rights Day, the United Nations (UN) General Secretary António Guterres called on all member states to use the 75th anniversary to strengthen their commitment to the timeless values of the Universal Declaration.

He also urged people around the world to promote and respect human rights “everyday, for everyone, everywhere.”

Tevery day’s event will be commemorated under the theme: “Freedom, Equality and Justice for all.”