Young Human Rights Defenders Network Sides With Chakwera On PSR Delays

The Young Human Rights Defenders Network (YHRDN) has expressed reservations with assertions from those exerting pressure on President Lazarus Chakwera to act on the Public Sector Reforms (PSR) report within seven days.

YHRDN’s position has been made clearer a few days after some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) calling on the Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola Banda to take the Public Sector Reforms report to parliament to be deliberated by lawmakers.

Speaking in Mzuzu on Friday, the YHRDN’s chairperson Mervin Nxumayo says, while it seems to have taken long for the PSR report to be made public, it is good to take note that some of the Reforms recommendations have already been implemented.

“Much as we are all aware that the report was compiled and submitted in February, 2021 by a Special Taskforce which was chaired by Vice President Saulos Chilima, the president finds it necessary to implement in accordance with the fair share of resources on the disposal, “ Nxumayo said.

At a press briefing in Mzuzu, on Wednesday, the CSOs asked President Lazarus Chakwera to confirm receipt of the report and what actions he has taken so far in line with the recommendations outlined in the report, within seven days.

Among others the report reviewed three government systems of allowances, procurement, and employment contracts, with the Civil Society Organisations calling on the government to convene a public summit on the report in 60 days.

Among the 14 CSOs included Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, Youth and Society, Church and Society of the Livingstonia Synod and Human Rights Defenders Coalition among others.