Malawi is gearing up for its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of human rights, scheduled for November next year. This significant event presents the country with an invaluable opportunity to highlight the progress made, address prevailing challenges, and reaffirm its commitment to advancing human rights for all citizens.

The UPR is a unique process under the United Nations Human Rights Council, where member states evaluate each other’s human rights records. It provides a platform for countries to share best practices, identify gaps, and foster international cooperation in upholding fundamental rights and freedoms.

In preparation for this critical review, the Ministry of Justice, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Human Rights Project, hosted a pivotal meeting with members of the Interministerial Committee. This meeting focused on aligning efforts to develop a comprehensive and inclusive national report. A key objective is ensuring that the report reflects the voices and perspectives of all stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations, and marginalized groups.

The documents on which the reviews are based include information provided by the State under review, in form of a “National Report”.  The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is expected to submit a National Report by June 2025, detailing the country’s human rights situation, progress made since the third review.

The Human Rights Project, titled “Strengthening Human Rights for Vulnerable Populations in Malawi,” plays a crucial role in this endeavor. Supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Embassy of Iceland, the initiative aims to bolster Malawi’s capacity to address human rights challenges, particularly those affecting the most vulnerable communities.

As Malawi moves closer to the UPR, the collaborative efforts of the government, international partners, and local stakeholders underscore a shared commitment to fostering a society where human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled for all.