The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) has asked President Lazarus Chakwera to fast-track the processes of establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

According to CHRR Acting Executive Director Michael Kaiyatsa, the rights body has been advocating for the same since the previous National Compensation Tribunal was prematurely dissolved by Former President Bakili Muluzi administration in 2004.

Kaiyatsa said the establishment of the Commission is critical in addressing abuses of past regimes which include investigating past human rights abuses and preventing future abuses.

“CHRR urges the President to ensure that his plans to address abuses of past regimes are in line with the eight objectives of Transitional Justice, which include investigating past human rights abuses.

Identifying those responsible, imposing sanctions on those responsible (where it can), providing reparations to victims and preventing future abuses,” said in a press statement Kaiyatsa.

Upon opening the 49th Session of Parliament on Friday, through his State of the Nation Address, President Chakwera said his administration is working on establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to complete the task left unfinished by the defunct National Compensation Tribunal.

“This bold policy to recover together from the wounds we carry will require plenty of civic education.”

I am therefore delighted to report that within the past 40 days, the draft National Civic Education Policy has been finalized and is ready to launch,” said the Malawi leader.

In addition, President Chakwera said the Tonse-led administration has created the Ministry of Civic Education and National Unity in order to advance their agenda for uniting Malawians.