The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has said it is concerned with the severe rising cost of living in the country that is directly linked to the high inflation rate.
According to a statement on the socio-economic issues in Malawi issued Monday morning, MHRC said as a result of the high inflation trends, most Malawians have been rendered unable to afford basic needs such as food, housing, medication, education, transportation, electricity and water bills.
The Commission further noted that the worsening socio-economic situation has eroded the financial power of Malawians and as a result, more people in urban and rural areas have plunged into poverty and destitution
As of September 2023, the inflation rate stood at 27.80 percent. Furthermore, data indicates that the food inflation rate stands at 36.8 percent whilst the non-food inflation rate stands at 17.2 percent, according to the National Statistical Office (NSO).
“For instance, recent reports indicate that Malawians are spending more on basic needs because of the rising cost of living. Latest available data provided by Centre for Social Concern (CfSC) shows that as of July 2023, a household of six was spending K378, 812 monthly representing an increase of K108, 013 from K 270, 799 in June 2022.
“Malawians are also bracing for a 58.8 % increase in electricity tariff in the next four years and this has further been compounded by government’s decision to raise water tariffs. All this is happening in the face of economic decline in the country and the average Malawian has been left to bear the burden.
“As a result, the current socio-economic situation in the country has greatly compromised the right to adequate standard of living for all Malawians and the Commission considers this as a grave violation of human rights, “reads part of the statement signed by MHRC Chairperson Chikondi Chijozi
The statement further said these negative trends have resulted into violations of the various human rights including right to health and cannot overemphasize the implications of the worsening socio-economic situation on the enjoyment of human rights by all Malawians.
MHRC has called on government to address high inflation rates in the country to mitigate the high living costs among its citizens.
The Commission has further asked government to progressively address the fuel scarcity in Malawi to guarantee the supply and distribution of essential services in the country including medication, medical supplies and food supplies among others.
“The Commission expects the Government to implement this recommendation by the first quarter of the 2024 financial year,” reads the statement in part
