Human rights activists have expressed disappointment with Malawi’s support of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
This comes after Malawi voted against a resolution calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
In a statement released on Friday, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) said at a time when the world is coming together to uphold basic human rights and demand an end to illegal occupation, this position by government is difficult to comprehend as it runs contrary to the values of freedom and justice that our nation has long upheld, and undermines Malawi’s commitments under international human rights mechanisms.
Signed by national coordinator Kelvin Chirwa and chairperson Gift Trapence, the groung said the resolution calling for an end to the occupation represents a global commitment to justice, human rights, and the principles of international law.
“It is a crucial stand in support of the Palestinian people’s right to live in peace and dignity.
“Apart from being a diplomatic error our vote is a betrayal of the very principles of freedom, dignity, and justice that we believe in as a country. As a nation that has emerged from the shadows of its own struggles against oppression by the colonialists, Malawi should never side with those who violate the fundamental rights of others.
“The occupation of Palestinian lands, and the human rights violations that come with it, are clear breaches of international law and cannot be defended. We remind the government that Malawi has ratified key international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR), the United Nations Charter, and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“These instruments require Malawi to promote human rights, peace, and justice both domestically and internationally. By voting against this resolution, Malawi is undermining its commitments and weakening its standing as a defender of human rights,” reads part of the statement.
HRDC has called on government to urgently reconsider its stance.
“Malawi must stand on the side of justice and fairness, and our foreign policy must reflect these values. Anything less is a betrayal of the principles we claim to uphold. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
“We call on the government to ensure that future votes in international forums are not just aligned with, but firmly grounded in the principles of justice, human rights, and respect for international law. The world watching, and Malawi cannot afford to be silent or complicit in the face of oppression.
“We remind our leaders that political convenience should never outweigh the obligation to defend the basic rights of millions of people. History will not forget those who stood on the wrong side.The Palestinian people, like all people, deserve to live in peace and dignity. It is time for Malawi to start making the right decisions,” reads the statement in part
