Malawi
In June 2024, Malawi’s Constitutional Court rejected a legal challenge to the penal code that makes same-sex conduct a criminal offense. The decision contradicts fundamental rights, including the rights to equality and nondiscrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, protected under international human rights law. The court’s decision also exacerbated the risks of arbitrary arrests and prosecutions, physical violence, and discrimination against LGBT people in Malawi. Girls and women also face unique risks. Despite an amendment to the constitution, the practice of child marriage remains driven by social and cultural norms and women are encouraged to get pregnant soon after marriage although young women lack accurate information on fertility and emergency contraception.

- Africa
Malawi Must Uphold Integrity of September Election or Risk Spiraling into Democratic DecayAugust 27, 2025
Commentary
Idriss NassahSenior ResearcherPublished in:Daily Maverick
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- April 7, 2025 UPR
Submission to the Universal Periodic Review of Malawi
50th Session of the UN Universal Periodic Review
- August 14, 2024 Statement
Malawi: Submission to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
76th Session
- July 31, 2024 Commentary
Femicide and Reproductive Violence Harm African Women, Girls

- July 11, 2024 Dispatches
‘Dark Day’ in Malawi for Rights of LGBT People
Constitutional Court Upholds Criminalization of Same-Sex Conduct

- February 2, 2024 Dispatches
Malawi Military’s Threats Send Journalist into Hiding
Authorities Should Ensure Media’s Safety, Free Expression Rights

- December 22, 2023 News Release
Malawi: Rights Group Expelled from Refugee Camp
Ensure Civil Society Access to Dzaleka; Uphold Refugee Rights

- September 13, 2023 Statement
Malawi: Submission the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
86th Session
- June 5, 2023 News Release
Malawi: Refugees, Including Children, Forcibly Relocated
End Evictions, Confinement to Overcrowded Camp

- January 17, 2023 Statement
Malawi: Submission to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
72nd Pre-Session
- February 25, 2021 Statement
Human Rights Watch Submission on the Republic of Malawi to the UN Human Rights Committee

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