HRCC appeals for the depoliticization of Israel-Malawi labour deal

HRCC press conference in Lilongwe calling for depoliticization of Israel Labour deal 

Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba has called for the depoliticization of Israel-Malawi labour deal saying the deal has long term benefits for the country.

“We demand the de-politicization of the Labour Export deals by all players and allow private recruitment agencies to handle the process with Malawians observing and monitoring the same to ensure that Malawians are not duped in the process,” he said.

Mkwezalamba said the labour agreement is for the good of Malawi economy and more forex will flow in the country. He opined that in recognition of the potential for migration to contribute to socio-economic development, migration governance was, for the first time, included in the 2030 Global Development Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) formulated in 2015.

“HRCC fully supports the initiative and makes recommendations for a robust and all inclusive initiative to benefit Malawi,” he said.

Mkwezalamba also urged Government to set up an all inclusive Labour Export National steering group including establishing a department within Ministry of Labour for employment and recruitment services to manage official Labour exports and sign bilateral agreements with receiving nations to protect the interest of Malawian workers abroad.

Mkwezalamba says that while it remains a fact that there are two sides to a coin, there is a belief that objectivity, patriotism and sincere advice and calls are the only solutions for the nation to move forward.

“As such, we implore on Government and all stakeholders and citizens to consider their thoughts on the various selected matters of national concern,” said Mkwezalamba.

He also hailed Government decision to devalue the Kwacha by 44%.

“As HRCC we seriously opine that the devaluation was a necessary evil which must be embraced and accepted as one solution to the Forex challenges that prevented our manufacturing sector to flourish.

“We have learnt sadly that we could also not meet the targets to procure the requisite fertilizer for AIP due to the same shortage. It is our hope that the long fuel queues we experienced in September will no longer resurface as we continue making gains on this path,” he said.

Mkwezalamba said HRCC is happy particularly to note that this devaluation is effectively correcting supply-demand imbalances and countering arbitrary opportunities that had arisen in the market.

He observed that of late the Reserve Bank of Malawi, has since reported that “spot checks on some market players indicate that the market is able to clear import bills” at the new rate, as per statement signed by Mr. Wilson Banda- Governor of the central bank on 13th November 2023 and promised to monitor the situation.