MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Second Vice President Enock Kanzingeni-Chihana, on Tuesday evening arrived at Grand Palace Hotel in Mzuzu to preside over the 2025 Human Rights Defenders Awards Dinner, an event marking this year’s commemoration of Human Rights Day.
The occasion brings together activists, institutions and leaders to reflect on the country’s progress in protecting and promoting fundamental freedoms.
The annual awards celebrate individuals who have shown outstanding courage in defending human rights, often under difficult and hostile circumstances.
This year, two defenders were recognised for their contributions over the past twelve months.
Chairperson of the Independent Awards Panel, Justice Redson Kapindu, urged human rights advocates not to relent in their mission, stressing that Malawi must never slide back into the era of oppression.
He said the role of human rights defenders remains central to safeguarding democracy, justice and accountability.
According to Justice Kapindu, this year’s awardee is someone who demonstrated remarkable bravery and consistency despite facing significant challenges in the field.
The 2025 Runner-Up Award went to Silvester Namiwa of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), honoured for his resilience and outspoken advocacy on governance and civil liberties.
The Human Rights Defender of the Year Award was presented to Maggie Kathewera Banda, recognised for her exceptional leadership in championing the rights of women, girls and other marginalized groups.
Kapindu noted that Kathewera Banda’s work has been instrumental in pushing for equality and amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities.
Over the past years, the awards have highlighted notable defenders.
In 2023, CHREEA claimed the top award with Tusaiwe Yana as runner-up, while in 2024, lawyer Alexious Kamangira was honoured as Human Rights Defender of the Year.
This year’s ceremony reaffirmed the critical role defenders continue to play in strengthening Malawi’s human rights landscape, reminding the nation of the ongoing need for vigilance, courage and commitment.
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