CHALLENGES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHARTER AND MAPUTO
PROTOCOL
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The report has demonstrated the tremendous progress that Malawi has made in the
implementation of the rights entrenched in the Charter and the Protocol. Malawi has
largely attained civil and political rights. Significant challenges however still remain in
the enjoyment and protection of social and economic rights. Overall challenges include:
Weak implementation of laws and policies.
While Malawi boasts of very progressive laws and policies, there remains a huge
implementation gap.
Resource Constraints
With competing interests for resources, programs under human rights have not
always made it on the priority list. As such this has affected progress in the
implementation of human rights related programs.
Slow Pace of Institutional Reforms
The new constitutional order in Malawi places radical human rights requirements
on Government as the primary human rights defender. This has required state
institutions to reform in line with the constitutional ideals. Such required reform
has not been speedy enough and this has affected the pace of enjoyment and
enforcement of human rights.
Lack of Public Awareness of Rights
Despite progress in the general awareness of rights in Malawi there is still lack of
awareness of rights.
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