Chakwera says Disaster Risk Management Act crucial in dealing with disaster preparedness

Malawi President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has hinted that the new legislation on disaster which Parliament passed will play significant role in ensuring effective disaster Management in the country.

Speaking at Chagumukire Primary School in Blantyre, during the Human Rights commemoration day, Chakwera recognized different human rights which were broken during the Tropical Cyclone Freddy which hit 13 districts in the Southern region.

On this one, Chakwera urged Malawians to be proactive in preparing for disasters.

The new law forces everyone living in disaster prone areas to voluntarily move out or else faces arrests.

“To ensure that we are proactive in preparing for climate change impacts and preparing to support those whose lives will be affected by such,” he said

Chakwera said of paramount importance are pieces of legislation for protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, which is why his leadership is prioritizing the enactment of several bills which include Persons with Disabilities Bill and the Older Persons Bill.

The President said Government is also conducting a comprehensive review of the Child Care, Protection, and Justice Act, the Gender Equality Act, the Mental Treatment Act, and the Prevention Against Domestic Violence Act as these will be critical in ensuring that existing laws and policies are responsive to the multiple and complex situations that threaten the rights of children, women, and persons with disabilities.

Dr Chakwera warned that laws without strong institutions to enforce them are empty words.

The President further hailed Malawi Human Rights commission (MHRC) for the achievements registered so far.

“If you look at the Malawi Human Rights Commission and the work that Ms. Habiba Osman and the Commissioners have done with limited resources, you cannot help but be inspired. Not only have they successfully investigated multiple human rights cases across the country, but they have ensured that Malawi’s seat on the UN Human Rights Council and Malawi’s
A-Status as a top-class human rights adherent are retained,” he said.