Malawi
In Malawi, human rights issues are characterized by a mix of significant legal progress and troubling regressions in the safety of marginalized groups. While the country made history in 2025 by decriminalizing defamation, it has recently seen a resurgence in ritual violence and political intimidation.
As of early 2026, the following issues are at the forefront:
1. Safety of Persons with Albinism
A "disturbing reversal of progress" has been reported in early 2026. After years of relative calm, a renewed wave of attacks has emerged.
Grave Desecrations: In January 2026, reports emerged of concrete graves being dismantled to amputate limbs from deceased persons with albinism for ritual purposes.
Missing Persons: Several individuals with albinism have gone missing since late 2025, raising fears of a return to high-level ritual-related violence.
Justice Concerns: Human rights groups have expressed outrage over the recent pardoning of six men linked to high-profile murders in this category, arguing it undermines deterrence and signals impunity.
2. Freedom of Expression and Assembly
Malawi is currently in a state of "two steps forward, one step back."
Victory for Free Speech: In July 2025, the Constitutional Court decriminalized defamation (striking down Section 200 of the Penal Code). This was a landmark win for journalists who previously faced arrest for criticizing public officials.+1
Political Violence: Despite legal gains, the lead-up to the September 2025 national elections was marred by "panga-wielding" (machete) groups attacking peaceful protesters. Witnesses reported that police often stood by without intervening during these assaults.
3. Refugee Rights and the "Camps" Policy
The government has maintained a controversial "encampment policy" that restricts the movement of refugees.
Forced Relocation: Authorities have continued to force refugees and asylum seekers living in urban areas back to the Dzaleka refugee camp.
Overcrowding: Dzaleka is severely congested, holding more than five times its intended capacity. Refugees face legal restrictions on employment and movement, making them almost entirely dependent on dwindling international aid.
4. Prisons and Torture
The Malawian prison system remains one of the most challenging in Southern Africa.
Life-Threatening Conditions: Prisons house more than double their capacity. Inmates often suffer from severe malnutrition and outbreaks of TB and scabies.
"Shambas": Due to lack of space, prisoners often sleep in "shambas"—cramped positions in the center of cells where they cannot lie down fully, leading to chronic health issues.
Police Brutality: There are ongoing credible reports of police using excessive force or torture to extract confessions from suspects during the initial 48 hours of detention.
5. Women’s Rights and Harmful Practices
Child Marriage: Malawi has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with roughly 38% to 42% of girls married before age 18. Poverty and cultural puberty rites (like chinamwali) continue to drive these numbers despite legal bans.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Statistics from 2025 indicate that 1 in 3 women in Malawi experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, with over 12,000 cases reported annually.