A health rights organization called on Malawi authorities to change law enforcement practices ahead of a November human rights review, where the government later reversed its reform commitments. Community Health Rights Advocacy executive director Aniz Mitha stated that police obstruct vulnerable populations from accessing reproductive and sexual health services. The group requested revisions to the national HIV strategic plan extending through 2027.
Malawi accepted 245 recommendations during its fourth Universal Periodic Review held on November 4, 2025, including calls from Canada and Human Rights Watch to repeal criminal code provisions 153, 154, 156, and 137 that prohibit same-gender relations. Ministry of Justice official Amani Mussa reversed this acceptance five days later, asserting that such relationships do not exist in the country. Rights advocate Michael Kaiyitsa noted the inadequate implementation of past recommendations.
Malawi accepted 245 recommendations during its fourth Universal Periodic Review held on November 4, 2025, including calls from Canada and Human Rights Watch to repeal criminal code provisions 153, 154, 156, and 137 that prohibit same-gender relations. Ministry of Justice official Amani Mussa reversed this acceptance five days later, asserting that such relationships do not exist in the country. Rights advocate Michael Kaiyitsa noted the inadequate implementation of past recommendations.
