The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has condemned the
killings of older persons driven by harmful cultural practices and baseless
witchcraft accusations, citing the deaths of 11 older persons in the first four
months of 2026.
Through a statement signed by MHRC Executive Secretary
Habiba Osman says older persons in Malawi continue to face severe human rights
violations, partly due to gaps in the implementation of laws and policies
designed to protect them.
Osman says beyond physical violence, older persons also bear
the brunt of deep-rooted poverty, systematic social exclusion and limited
access to basic resources, as well as psychological and medical care.
Osman emphasized the need for the responsible ministry to
swiftly operationalize national action strategies and fully enforce the Older
Persons Act of 2024.
She says duty bearers at all levels must also be trained to
ensure that the law effectively protects older persons from neglect,
exploitation and other forms of abuse.
Osman has further called for increased investment in social
protection systems, including universal social protection coverage, affordable
and age-friendly housing, and specialized care within the national health
system.
Meanwhile, Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Children,
Disability and Social Welfare Esmie Kainja has called for greater inclusion of
older persons and the safeguarding of their dignity and rights.
In a statement issued as the world commemorates the
International Day of Older Persons, Kainja says Malawi’s population of older
persons has been growing steadily, with projections indicating continued growth
in the coming decades.
She says although life expectancy has improved, many older
Malawians continue to face challenges related to poor health and economic
insecurity.
Kainja says the commemoration provides an opportunity to
reflect on how Malawi can harness the longevity dividend by strengthening
health systems and promoting the meaningful and inclusive participation of
older persons in society.
According to the MHRC, the population of older persons in
Malawi has exceeded 1.2 million.
This year’s International Day of Older Persons is being
commemorated under the theme, “Age of
Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
