Some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have made a joint submission on the state of human rights and governance in Malawi to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights.

Executive Director of Youth and Society Charles Kajoloweka told YFM that the report was submitted on Wednesday at the 62nd Ordinary Session of the commission in Nouakchott, Mauritania which runs from April 25-May 9, 2018.

Kajoloweka said the report is also focusing on the 10 Point Petition presented to Government on April 27, 2018.

The petition was presented through nationwide anti-government demonstrations against alleged poor governance and corruption in the country.

The petition demanded that President Mutharika should fire finance minister, Goodall Gondwe and Local government minister, Kondwani Nankhumwa within 20 days for their role in the controversial K4 Billion payout.

Gondwe who claims the funds are for development activities in constituencies across the country, maintains that proper procedures were followed on the matter.

The petition also called for completion of investigations into the murder of former Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) senior officer, Issa Njaunju and former Polytechnic student, Robert Chasowa.

The petition also cited challenges such as security lapse especially for persons with albinism, high cost of living and the alarming rates of unemployment in Malawi amongst youths.

They also expressed concern over the dwindling public service delivery in the education and health sectors by citing scarcity of drugs, teachers and learning materials.

The protesters gave President Peter Mutharika, an overall ultimatum of 90 days to address the issues.

Chairperson of Human Rights Defenders Forum (HRDC), Timothy Mtambo and Vice chairperson Gift Trapence are among CSO leaders  at the conference.

Officials from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) are also part of Malawi delegation to the  ordinary session.