UN cites Malawi corruption as  hindrance to human rights

The Malawi’s UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo says corruption is perhaps the greatest obstacle to the realization of human rights and development in Malawi.

UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo -Photo Jeromy Kadewere, Nyasa Times
UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo -Photo Jeromy Kadewere, Nyasa Times

Speaking during the commemoration of International Human Rights day on Wednesday, in the capital Lilongwe, Seppo said corruption acts as a brake on development, denying millions of people around the world the prosperity, rights, services and employment which they desperately need – and deserve.

“Corruption stifles economic growth, undermines the rule of law, and squanders talent and precious resources. Where corruption is rife, companies are reluctant to invest as the cost of doing business is significantly higher. When jobs are given not on merit but through nepotism, opportunities are denied,” she said.

She however said the UN welcomes the Malawi government’s commitment to passing and implementing the Access to Information Bill saying this will strengthen transparency and facilitate the fight against corruption.

“Second, the Government’s commitment to establish an independent contract negotiating unit in extractive resources to ensure that contracts are properly negotiated to maximise benefits for the country and to subscribe to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative is welcome. Last but by no means least, the commitment to public sector reform and public finance management reform is critical.”

Seppo also said gender inequality, social norms and discrimination against women are amongst the root causes of violence against women and girls in Malawi.

“Implementing and enforcing the ground breaking Gender Equality Act which entered into force this year and the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act is an opportunity to change attitudes and stereotypes that perpetuate discriminatory practices against women”.

The Human Rights Day is the day on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that remains as relevant today.

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Mbowe Mulambia
9 years ago

Him and his government are thieves what do you expect? those donors knows the truth.

kalimkhalifkabati@gmail.com
9 years ago

Zikoli ofunika nzungu alamulire athu okuda takanika

ng'eng'a
9 years ago

Nanuso ma donors musapezelepo mwai otizuza coz ndife osauka. Tayambani kuthandiza malawi pliz

Zanga Phee!
Zanga Phee!
9 years ago

This is very pathetic imagine the first Lady involved in NAC get it means we still have a long way to go.No one to trust in this context.We thought APM being a US Lecture could handle this land locked Malawi but Yo! my poor Malawi.

vavlov
vavlov
9 years ago

Dependence on donors wont help Malawi develop, and this is a fact. Malawi has enormous tourism development potential, but got a useless minister whose full preoccupation is to defend his master. How can a country expect to develop based on donations, which are also being looted?

chatonda
chatonda
9 years ago

I only hope Peter Muntharika is listening to the advice by Seppo Mia.

Phwilephwile
9 years ago

Police intervies were conducted in september last yr 2013the results which have been in faver of those who did not even attend interv are just out now novemb 2014. What do you expect from this policeman? Where do we start from to end corptio?

M'Malawi weniweni
M'Malawi weniweni
9 years ago

You are right mama. These idiots are after fattening their bellies.

Patriot
Patriot
9 years ago

92+24=116 million cashgate + now NAC-gate.
CORRUPTION KILLS OUR ECONOMY please tiganizireni ife ana anu.

Dick
Dick
9 years ago

Mia Seppo, my dear!! I love you your candid summary!!! corruption stifle economic growth, undermines rule of law, squanders talent and precious resources!! Malawians , let us speak with one voice to eradicate corruption

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