Some human rights campaigners have expressed concern over continued attacks against LGBTIQ individuals in the country.
The concerns have intensified following a recent ruling by the Constitutional Court (Concourt), which dismissed an application challenging the constitutionality of the ban on same-sex relationships.
According to Arts and Global Health executive director Rodger Kumalire Phiri, there is a need to address misinformation and provide accurate information to the public that the judgement did not create a new law.
He was speaking at a two-day Umunthu Inclusive Society Symposium, focusing on the impact assessment of the Constitutional Court case on LGBTIQ people and activists in Malawi on Thursday in Mangochi.
Phiri observed that some public service providers have misinterpreted the court’s judgement, leading to the denial of services to affected individuals.
He said: “The media plays a crucial role in correcting these narratives, but there have been instances of misinformation and misrepresentation by journalists covering the case.
“One notable challenge is the lack of consultation between activists and the media due to underlying fears and mistrust. This gap hindered comprehensive coverage of the case.”
Meanwhile, Phiri has emphasised the importance of collaboration with organisations such as Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority, the Media Council of Malawi and Misa-Malawi, saying by working together, they can ensure accurate information reaches the public while respecting diverse perspectives.
During the symposium, findings from a study on the impact of the Constitutional Court case were disseminated which showed that demonstrations by religious groups adversely affected the LGBTIQ community and civil society leaders.
In her presentation, the organisation’s monitoring, evaluation and learning lead Florence Simbota said as a result of the demos, some organisations in Blantyre were looted and their office equipment was vandalised.
She said: “Unknown people sent a drone over Cedep office premises and later posted the pictures on one of the popular Facebook pages called Mikozi.
“As a precaution, Cedep moved their information to a secured location. Asked Malawi office in Chileka was moved to Machinjiri for security reasons.”
The symposium was aimed at discussing how best different actors could collectively respond to advance human rights agenda in the country.
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