By Burnett Munthali
In a call for equitable public service access and stronger protections for vulnerable populations, Citizen Alliance has emphasized the need for Malawi’s public service providers to prioritize inclusivity and establish accessible complaint mechanisms. The appeal, made by Baxton Nkhoma, Executive Director of Citizen Alliance, took place in Salima during a meeting with stakeholders on human rights issues affecting vulnerable groups, part of a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiative aimed at advancing the rights of marginalized communities.
Nkhoma expressed concern about the barriers vulnerable populations face in accessing essential services such as law enforcement, judicial support, and healthcare. “For many vulnerable individuals, navigating these services remains a challenge, often due to a lack of supportive and accessible mechanisms to address complaints,” he noted. He underscored the importance of public institutions—specifically the Malawi Police Service, judiciary, and hospitals—taking proactive steps to make their services more inclusive and responsive to the needs of marginalized groups.
One of the key recommendations from Citizen Alliance is the establishment of dedicated complaint mechanisms within these institutions, which would allow vulnerable individuals to report rights violations safely and with confidence that their concerns will be heard and addressed.
Echoing Nkhoma’s sentiments, John Wilson Mangalala, a paralegal officer for Salima District, commended the discussions, expressing optimism that the initiatives would lead to meaningful improvements in human rights protections for vulnerable populations within the district. “This dialogue is a positive step toward creating a more equitable and just system that supports the rights of all individuals, particularly those who are often overlooked,” Mangalala stated.
The meeting highlights a crucial push for systemic change in how Malawi’s public institutions interact with vulnerable communities. Through this initiative, Citizen Alliance and its partners aim to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their social or economic standing, have access to the same level of service and protection.
