Lawyers push for end to abuses in camps
Malawi Law Society (MLS) has recommended the setting up of more camps for flood victims to split men, women and children following growing reports of abuse in the centres.
MLS president Burton Mhango said cases of sexual and human rights abuses among flood victims are worrying, as such separating them would lower occurrences of the vices.
He was speaking at Tizola 1 Camp in Chikwawa on Saturday when MLS, accompanied by a group of lawyers, donated various food and non-food items to flood victims worth over K5 million.
The items included bales of sugar, beans, salt, soap, plastic pails, plates and cups, soya pieces, matches and second-hand clothes.
“We have heard about abuses in camps. Although as MLS we act on facts, we strongly condemn the reports. We know these women and children are at high risk; hence, we urge government to put up more camps and separate men from women and children,” said Mhango.
Tizola 1 Camp has 328 households from seven affected villages in Paramount Chief Lundu.
Chikwawa principal social welfare officer Paul Simfukwe appealed to other stakeholders for more items, including shelter, saying the situation in camps remains sad.
