UN Urges Malawi to Engage in Genuine Dialogue

UN has urged Malawi government and other relevant actors to urgently engage in a genuine and meaningful dialogue to address the political social and economic grievances of the population and reduce tensions.

Spokesperson for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Rupert Colville says they are very concerned by an increase in violent protests across Malawi and the lack of a meaningful dialogue to halt the mounting tensions in the country.

Colville says there is a serious risk the situation will spiral out of control.

“All allegations of misconduct by security forces including those resulting in death or injury should be investigated in a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial manner,” he stressed

Colville has reminded Malawian authorities that of their obligation to respect rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and to distinguish between violent actors and peaceful demonstrators.

He has urged demonstrators to express their grievances peacefully without resorting to violence.

Colville has authorities that the use of force during demonstrations should be only applied in exceptional circumstances in accordance with applicable international human rights norms and standards including the principles of legality.