First Harvest Organization Calls for Partnership to Protect Minority Rights in Malawi
First Harvest calls for partnerships to defend minority rights in Malawi roundtable.
Thyolo, Malawi — First Harvest Organisation, a Thyolo-based foundation, is calling for partnerships with individuals, companies, organisations, corporations, and societies to engage in a roundtable discussion aimed at defending the rights of minority groups in Malawi, writes Tionge Hara.
These efforts come in the wake of demonstrations held on July 13, 2023, where the Episcopal Conference of Churches, Malawi Council of Churches, Muslims Association of Malawi, and other groups protested against same-sex marriages while defending the institution of marriage, family, and human sexuality.
Executive Director Webster Harrison Namatemba urged stakeholders to join forces in a collective effort that goes beyond their own boundaries.
He emphasised that every citizen of the Republic of Malawi strives for a country where everyone can flourish and achieve their fullest potential. He firmly believes that this dream can only be realised if every individual has the right to live with dignity.
First Harvest Organization is concerned about the hindrance of minority rights by religious organisations, despite their efforts to foster positive peace in the nation.
They firmly believe that genuine change can occur when every person in Malawi is given the opportunity to live a meaningful life, including respecting the rights of the LGBTQ community.
“Malawi is a country that respects freedom of conscience, allowing every person to exercise their beliefs regardless of religious affiliation, humanist ideals, or atheism,” said Namatemba.
“It is the duty of religious leaders to persuade their followers against same-sex marriage without impeding the rights of those practising LGBTQ behaviour. We are all aware that no one is forced to adhere to religious beliefs as it falls under the freedom of conscience.”
He further added, “As it stands now, Malawi can accommodate anyone who abides by the laws outlined in our constitution, and no individual should be penalized for engaging in behaviour that does not infringe upon human rights. We need all Malawians to recognize and agree that this country belongs to everyone, and no group is more important than another. Legalizing same-sex marriage does not mean that people’s rights should be forced to participate; it simply falls under the freedom of conscience, where individuals can choose what they believe is right. I hope religious leaders will seize this opportunity to communicate their stance to their followers and guide them in accordance with their congregation’s values.”
Namatemba believes that building positive peace requires reducing discrimination and harassment based on personal choices.
He stressed the importance of the government openly stating its position on the denial of same-sex marriage in Malawi, especially in a country that accepts the coexistence of diverse groups.
First Harvest says, as an empowering, innovative, and connecting foundation, recognises its responsibility to protect the human rights of every individual, including minorities.
As a result, they have organised a series of activities, ranging from town hall meetings to dialogues and community focus groups, to engage in a roundtable discussion and reach a consensus on creating a country that upholds human rights-based approaches.