LocationsMalawi Validates Its National Report Ahead of Fourth Cycle Universal Periodic Review
May 16, 2025
Participants at the national validation meeting in Lilongwe.
Malawi has reached an important milestone in its human rights journey, successfully validating its national report under the Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Held in Lilongwe, the national validation meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Government, civil society, development partners, and members of the diplomatic community.
The Universal Periodic Review is a unique mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council through which UN Member States assess each other’s human rights records. Malawi’s review is scheduled for November 2025, and the national report, prepared under the leadership of the Ministry of Justice, will serve as a core document in this process.
Minister of Justice, Honourable Titus Edward Mvalo.
Speaking at the event, Honourable Titus Edward Mvalo, Minister of Justice, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the UPR mechanism, highlighting significant progress made since the previous review in 2020. Achievements include expanding access to justice, repealing outdated legislation, and enhancing protections for vulnerable populations such as children, persons with disabilities, and older persons.
“This validation meeting allows us to critically examine our draft national report, ensure its accuracy and inclusivity, and consolidate stakeholder input for a final document that reflects our progress and challenges,” said Honourable Mvalo. “The Government of Malawi views this process not merely as an international obligation but as a valuable tool for national reflection and continuous improvement.”
UNDP Malawi Resident Representative, Ms Fenella Frost.
UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Fenella Frost commended Malawi’s continued leadership in human rights, especially during its second term as a United Nations Human Rights Council member. She emphasised the importance of the UPR process not just as a reporting tool but also as a strategic platform for influencing reforms and guiding public policy toward national and global development goals.
“Through the UPR, countries are held accountable and empowered to advance rights-based development,” said Ms. Frost. “UNDP is honoured to support this process through technical and financial assistance provided under the UNDP Human Rights Project, funded by the Governments of Iceland and Norway.”
The high level delegation to the national validation meeting in Lilongwe.
The development of the national report was driven by an inclusive and consultative approach led by the National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-Up (NMIRF). This included regional consultations, data collection across key sectors, and multi-stakeholder drafting and review sessions to ensure broad ownership and legitimacy of the report.
Malawi is expected to submit the final report to the UN Human Rights Council by 30 June 2025. The validation meeting reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous progress in promoting and protecting the rights of all its citizens.
Through its human rights project, UNDP has also supported the development of other reports by civil society organisations, the Malawi Human Rights Commission, and the United Nations Country Team that will ensure that the country’s human rights landscape is comprehensively reflected during the review process.
Part of the validation session.