By Wendy Mkandawire
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has decried continued human rights violations against older persons in Malawi, as the country joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Older Persons today.
In a statement, MHRC Executive Secretary Habiba Osman said despite policies and legislative measures in place, cases of violence, harassment and killings of older persons driven by harmful cultural practices and baseless witchcraft accusations continue to escalate.
Osman attributed the vice to lack of implementation of legal and policy strategies meant to protect older persons.
She disclosed that at least 11 older persons have been killed so far this year, compared to 22 recorded last year, warning that the figure could rise by the end of the year.
She has since called for urgent and concerted action by authorities to end the violence.
Meanwhile, police in Dowa have arrested five men in connection with the brutal killing of 78-year-old Diness Mwanza over witchcraft accusations.
Dowa Police Public Relations Officer Alice Sitima has identified the suspects as Mayamiko Banda, 30; Tchauya Banda, 63; Baiton Mafikeni, 49; Mwachilala Gilbert, 64; and Stephano Esau, 36.
This year’s commemoration is being held under the theme: “Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
