The Malawi Human Rights Commission has issued a stinging condemnation of the violence during last week's demonstrations in Malawi, which left around 18 people dead.

The MHRC strongly condemned the Government's contribution to the violence and human rights violations that characterised the period before, during and after the 20th July demonstrations. The Commission also called on the authorities to desist from conduct or remarks that may fuel the situation, and instead put in place objective strategies for dialogue and an effective nation-building process that is fair, inclusive and respectful of human rights and premised on Malawi's constitutional principles.

he MHRC also urged the government to thoroughly investigate the violent events that occurred and account for all the deaths - and ensure that independent investigations into the situation by independent institutions are not tampered with. Furthermore, the MHRC calls upon the Malawi Police Service to ensure that they strictly comply with domestic and international standards on the lawful use of force and firearms. In particular, the MHRC condemns the use of live ammunition and the beating by police of the people deemed to be the leaders of the demonstrations, which may have fuelled the violent reactions from the demonstrators.

The MHRC also condemned the irresponsible conduct of some people in participating in destruction of property, looting, and other forms of violence - and reminded all Malawians to ensure that they exercise rights with due regard to attendant responsibilities, for example through the avoidance of violence, use of inflammatory language, even in the face of seemingly provocative moves and in the event of retaliation to attacks.

The Malawi Human Rights Commission has issued a stinging condemnation of the violence during last week's demonstrations in Malawi, which left around 18 people dead.

The MHRC strongly condemned the Government's contribution to the violence and human rights violations that characterised the period before, during and after the 20th July demonstrations. The Commission also called on the authorities to desist from conduct or remarks that may fuel the situation, and instead put in place objective strategies for dialogue and an effective nation-building process that is fair, inclusive and respectful of human rights and premised on Malawi's constitutional principles.

he MHRC also urged the government to thoroughly investigate the violent events that occurred and account for all the deaths - and ensure that independent investigations into the situation by independent institutions are not tampered with. Furthermore, the MHRC calls upon the Malawi Police Service to ensure that they strictly comply with domestic and international standards on the lawful use of force and firearms. In particular, the MHRC condemns the use of live ammunition and the beating by police of the people deemed to be the leaders of the demonstrations, which may have fuelled the violent reactions from the demonstrators.

The MHRC also condemned the irresponsible conduct of some people in participating in destruction of property, looting, and other forms of violence - and reminded all Malawians to ensure that they exercise rights with due regard to attendant responsibilities, for example through the avoidance of violence, use of inflammatory language, even in the face of seemingly provocative moves and in the event of retaliation to attacks.