Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has expressed concern over the continued rise of cost of living in the country; arguing it is negatively affecting people’s right to economic, social and cultural rights enjoyment.
According MHRC spokesperson Kate Kujaliwa, though there is a global economic crisis, government should come up with policies and strategies on how to bail the citizens out of this mess.
The Commission has among others pointed out the rise of prices of fuel and basic commodities such as cooking oil with 75%, Water with 52%, shortage of drugs in public hospitals and introduction of 16.5 % Value Added Tax on non banking services.
Recently, President Lazarus Chakwera admitted that things are tough in the country but called on Malawians to be patient.
But the Commission has since asked government to strike a better balance between broadening tax base and creating a conducive socioeconomic environment for all and that poverty reduction and wealth creation should not just be rhetoric.