Human rights awareness in Malawi falls, justice system faces public trust challenge

Awareness of human rights among Malawians has declined from 90% in 2018 to 85% in 2025, the National Statistical Office (NSO) has revealed, raising concerns about public understanding of fundamental rights.

The findings were disclosed on Wednesday during the national dissemination of the 2025 Justice and Accountability Survey Report in Lilongwe.Shelton Kanyanda, NSO Commissioner of Statistics, said the survey also highlighted trends in public interaction with the justice system.

“While awareness of human rights has slightly decreased, we see a growing reliance on informal justice mechanisms. However, among those familiar with the formal system, usage has increased,” he noted.The survey further indicated that knowledge of specific rights is shifting.

“Children’s rights are emerging as a more prominent concern, surpassing awareness of women’s rights and disability rights,” Kanyanda explained.

He added that the survey is designed to inform the Ministry of Justice’s policies and ensure equitable access to justice across all households.

The 2025 survey also assessed public perceptions of institutions such as the Malawi Electoral Commission, the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and the Malawi Human Rights Commission.

Kanyanda emphasized that the NSO will continue to serve as a monitoring tool and aims to conduct the survey more frequently in the future, ideally every three to five years, rather than the seven-year gap since the last edition.Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Charles Mhango highlighted the implications of the findings for governance.

“Issues arising from trust in the justice system highlight the need to improve service delivery and restore public confidence. I am committed to strengthening functioning systems that support justice and the rule of law,” he said, noting ongoing engagements with key officials and district offices to address these challenges.

European Union Ambassador Daniel Aristi Gaztelumendi, representing the funders of the survey, highlighted its broader impact.

“The 2025 survey, supported by the €17 million Chilungamo Project, provides actionable data that will guide policy decisions, strengthen social protection programs, and address public distrust in the justice system,” he said.

The NSO’s findings signal a critical moment for Malawi’s justice sector, emphasizing the need for continued investment in human rights education, stronger formal justice mechanisms, and targeted reforms to build public confidence in institutions central to accountability and governance.

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