400,000 Deaf Malawians still face systemic exclusion – MHRC

By Petro Mkandawire

The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) says despite laws and policies aimed at promoting inclusion, an estimated 400,000 Deaf and hard-of-hearing Malawians continue to face systemic exclusion and discrimination in accessing basic services.

The Commission disclosed this in a statement released on 21 September 2026 and signed by its Executive Secretary, Habiba Osman, as Malawi joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) from 21 to 27 September and the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) on 23 September.

Osman said while notable progress has been made, including the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2024 and the launch of the Malawi Sign Language Dictionary, the reality for most Deaf Malawians remains characterised by barriers to accessing basic human rights.

According to the Commission, the five major systemic challenges include severe barriers to healthcare, exclusion and poor quality of education, denial of access to justice and legal services, economic marginalisation and high unemployment, as well as limited access to public information and media.

“To address these challenges, as MHRC we are calling for immediate and coordinated execution of five strategic actions,” said Osman.

She said government should recruit and deploy certified Malawian Sign Language interpreters in all district and community health centres, police stations, magistrate courts and other institutions providing public services.

Osman also said the Ministry of Education should expand specialised teacher-training programmes and expedite the integration of the Malawi Sign Language Dictionary and curriculum guidelines into standard teacher-training modules.

The Ministry of Labour, she said, should enforce employment quotas stipulated under disability legislation, while public and private employers should be encouraged to create accessible workplaces and ensure fair recruitment and retention of qualified Deaf professionals.

As part of media reforms, Osman said the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) should strictly enforce broadcasting licence conditions to ensure that all television stations provide visible sign language interpretation.

She further urged the Ministry of Finance to allocate adequate and consistent funding to the Department of Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, as well as organisations representing Deaf persons, to implement targeted economic empowerment programmes.

The Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of the Deaf community.