By Draxon Maloya

Mzuzu, Malawi — Malawi has joined the global community in commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2026 under the theme, “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work.”

The Malawi Network of Older Persons’ Organisations (MANEPO) has issued a stern call for urgent government action, warning that continued violations of the rights of older persons threaten to entrench impunity and undermine the country’s constitutional and international obligations.

Executive Director Andrew Kavala stressed that dignity in old age cannot coexist with violence, abandonment, property deprivation, social exclusion, or the deadly practice of witchcraft accusations.
“A nation committed to human rights and the rule of law cannot remain indifferent while its older citizens live under fear and insecurity,” Kavala said.

MANEPO highlighted that abuses against older persons are not mere social injustices but serious violations of rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Malawi, the Older Persons Act (2024), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other international standards.

The organisation urged Government to fully operationalise and adequately resource the Older Persons Act, strengthen social protection measures, and ensure perpetrators of violence are investigated, prosecuted, and held accountable.

The appealed further trickled down to traditional, faith leaders, communities, and families to challenge harmful beliefs and practices that expose older persons to violence and exclusion.

As the nation commemorates WEAAD, MANEPO reminded Malawians that the true measure of society lies in how it treats its most vulnerable members.
“Older persons are rights-holders. Their rights are non-negotiable. Their dignity is inviolable. Their protection is both a legal imperative and a moral duty,” Kavala emphasized.

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