Events

U.S. Government Funds two Civil Society Projects.

The U.S. Government, through the Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) has awarded US$34,669 (MK 5 million) in grants to two civil society organizations in Malawi.  The recipients are Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) in Lilongwe and Muslim Youth Assembly (MYA) in Zomba.

Speaking at the grant signing ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe, United States Chargé d’Affaires Kevin Sullivan said, “Competition for funding among this year’s applicants was extremely tough, and I congratulate the only two grantees here today whose project proposals rose above the rest.”  He added, “It is a special tribute to your organization’s capabilities to organize and develop excellent proposals.”

HRCC board member Luke Mbewe told reporters at the ceremony that his organization plans to implement a project called “Human Rights and the Police: Need for a Police Friendly Society.”  Under the project, the group will organize an awareness raising campaign for police officers on the rights and obligations of the public.  The project will also involve a nationwide radio campaign.  In addition, HRCC will introduce toll-free lines that will be used by complainants across the country to report allegations of police torture, abuse, and harassment. 

Muslim Youth Assembly Chairman Peter Mota said his organization will implement a project in collaboration with Radio Islam (a local radio station) to produce and broadcast weekly educational programs that will promote religious and political tolerance.  MYA will train peer educators to coordinate the radio’s listening clubs across the country.  Radio Islam commands a total listenership of about 90% of Malawi’s 3 million Muslims.

Both beneficiary organizations lauded the U.S. Government for supporting initiatives meant to consolidate Malawi’s young and fledgling democracy and enhance respect for human rights. 

The Democracy and Human Rights Fund was instituted in Malawi in 1988 to support and strengthen democratic institutions, values and practices; increase civic and political awareness; and promote the development of Malawian organizations’ capabilities.
Projects that receive funding from the DHRF program are those that promote “first generation rights,” such as rule of law, civil or political rights as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and Projects that result in change in democratic and/or human rights practices or laws.