LocationsNational stakeholders convene to advance human rights reporting and accountability in Malawi
May 6, 2026
Participants pose for a group photo during the ICCPR validation workshop held in Lilongwe on 23 April 2026.
The Government of Malawi, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and partners, convened a national validation workshop on 23 April 2026 in Lilongwe on the State Party Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), bringing together government institutions, civil society and development partners to strengthen accountability and human rights protection.
The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to review and validate Malawi’s responses to the List of Issues issued by the United Nations Human Rights Committee, ensuring that the report reflects national realities and aligns with international human rights standards. The validation forms part of Malawi’s obligations under the ICCPR and contributes to the country’s second periodic report to the Committee.
Mrs. Gertrude Lynn Hiwa, SC, Solicitor General and Secretary for Justice, delivers opening remarks during the ICCPR validation workshop in Lilongwe.
Opening the workshop, Mrs. Gertrude Lynn Hiwa, SC, Solicitor General and Secretary for Justice, underscored the importance of the validation process as part of Malawi’s broader commitment to promoting and protecting civil and political rights.
“This is an important stage in our collective efforts to promote and protect civil and political rights. The ongoing task lies in translating these commitments into consistent practice, ensuring that all persons fully enjoy the rights guaranteed under the Covenant.”Mrs. Gertrude Lynn Hiwa, SC, Solicitor General and Secretary for Justice
While acknowledging progress in strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, she emphasized the need to move beyond commitments into tangible outcomes.
The ICCPR is one of the core international human rights treaties, requiring States to report on measures taken to uphold fundamental freedoms, including the right to life, freedom of expression and equality before the law. The reporting process serves as a key accountability mechanism, enabling countries to assess progress, identify gaps and strengthen national systems for human rights protection.
Dr. Ernest Yeboah, representing UNDP, delivers remarks during the ICCPR validation workshop in Lilongwe.
Speaking on behalf of UNDP, Dr. Ernest Yeboah, highlighted the strategic value of the reporting process in strengthening governance systems.
The State reporting process is not simply a procedural requirement, it is a vital accountability mechanism that enables States to assess progress, identify gaps, and strengthen national systems for the protection of human rights.Dr. Ernest Yeboah
He further emphasized that treaty reporting plays a critical role in informing policy and reform processes.
“Treaty body reports, and the resulting recommendations are strategic tools that guide legal reforms, inform public policy, and strengthen governance and accountability,” he added.
The validation workshop reflects Malawi’s continued efforts to strengthen coordinated reporting and follow-up through the National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-Up (NMIRF), which serves as a central platform for collaboration across government institutions and stakeholders.
Through the UNDP Human Rights Project, supported by the Governments of Iceland and Norway, Malawi has made progress in strengthening institutional capacity for treaty reporting and implementation. This includes supporting the preparation of key treaty reports and enhancing coordination mechanisms to ensure sustained follow-up on human rights recommendations.
Participants follow proceedings during the ICCPR validation workshop in Lilongwe on 23 April 2026.
Participants at the workshop engaged in detailed discussions on the draft report, providing technical input and perspectives aimed at improving the quality, accuracy, and credibility of the final submission. The validation process ensures that the report captures diverse experiences and reflects realities on the ground.
As Malawi advances towards finalizing and submitting its report to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the focus remains on translating international commitments into tangible improvements in people’s lives, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that no one is left behind. The finalisation of this report brings Malawi up to date regarding its treaty reporting obligations, having cleared previous backlogs with resources from the Norway and Iceland, and technical cooperation with UNDP.
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