LGBTIQ+ coalition launches in Malawi, vows to push legal reforms

The Utawaleza Coalition, which means “rainbow” in Chichewa, was established with support from the United Nations Development Programme.

It aims to serve as a coordinated platform for advocacy, protection and visibility of LGBTIQ+ individuals.

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“The coalition brings together human rights defenders to the frontlines of advocacy and awareness raising for minority rights under a shared vision of dignity, recognition, and protection,” said Gift Trapence, executive director of the Centre for the Development of People, during the launch.

The Malawi Human Rights Commission challenged the coalition to champion reforms beyond symbolic advocacy.

Peter Chisi, director of civil and political rights at the commission, said the coalition must actively push for review and reform of laws, policies and societal attitudes that hinder LGBTIQ+ rights in Malawi.

“Beyond coordination, the coalition must also invest in public education and awareness to address harmful stereotypes and misinformation that fuel discrimination,” Chisi said.

“There is a need to build a society that understands that human rights are universal and indivisible.”

In Malawi, same-sex relations remain illegal under provisions of the Penal Code, including laws on “unnatural offences” and “indecent practices.”

Although authorities have periodically suspended arrests, the laws continue to create a climate of fear, exclusion and vulnerability for LGBTIQ+ individuals, human rights advocates say.

The existence of such laws not only legitimises stigma but also limits access to essential services such as healthcare, justice and social protection, advocates argue.

George Kachimanga, chairman of the Utawaleza Coalition, said LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders often operate under significant personal risk, including threats, harassment and social exclusion.

The coalition aims to address these challenges by strengthening protection mechanisms for defenders, improving documentation of human rights violations and creating a unified voice to influence national discourse and policy reform.

“The coalition will not only amplify advocacy efforts but also provide a safe platform for LGBTIQ [human rights defenders] to collaborate, share information, and respond collectively to emerging threats,” Kachimanga said.

Stakeholders said the human rights commission can support these efforts by undertaking public inquiries into discrimination, issuing advisory opinions on discriminatory laws and working with Parliament to align Malawi’s legal framework with regional and international human rights standards.

Rannveig Rajendram, deputy ambassador to Norway, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to supporting inclusive societies.

“Human rights are universal and must be protected for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” she said.

Chisi noted that while Malawi has a broad network of human rights defenders, few focus specifically on the unique challenges facing the LGBTIQ+ community.

He said the coalition’s specialised focus presents an opportunity to strengthen targeted advocacy, including strategic litigation, public interest campaigns and engagement with policymakers.

The coalition was established under the project Building a Unified National Coalition of LGBTIQ Human Rights Defenders in Malawi.

Expectations remain high that the coalition will bridge gaps in advocacy, strengthen protection for defenders and push for reforms to ensure that all Malawians enjoy equal rights and dignity under the law.