UTAWALEZA COALIATION LAUNCHED

The unveiling ceremony 

Yesterday marked a significant moment for human rights in Malawi with the official launch of Utawaleza, the Malawi National Coalition of LGBTIQ+ Human Rights Defenders. The coalition brings together human rights defenders, allied organizations, and community leaders to confront the systemic discrimination, criminalization, social stigma, and security risks faced by LGBTIQ+ persons. Formed to end fragmentation and strengthen collective action, Utawaleza will advance coordinated advocacy, protection mechanisms, capacity-building, strategic litigation, and public engagement to build a just, inclusive, and safe Malawi where LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders are fully recognized, respected, and protected.

Part of the audience at the launch

The coalition’s work is guided by values of diversity, collaboration, courage, transparency, non-discrimination, collective protection, and confidentiality. Utawaleza is structured around six strategic pillars: institutionalization and sustainability; robust protection; capacity and skills enhancement; advocacy and awareness; strategic litigation; and research and documentation. Through these pillars, the coalition will develop preventive and rapid-response systems, provide legal support, offer training for defenders, and document rights violations to inform policy reform.
The launch was done by the Centre for the Development of the People (CEDEP), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Royal Norwegian Embassy, and the Embassy of Iceland. At the event, George Kachimanga, chairperson of the coalition, said, “Utawaleza exists to stand together—to protect, advocate, and advance the dignity of LGBTIQ+ people and those who defend them.” CEDEP Executive Director Gift Trapence emphasized the risks faced by frontline activists, noting, “Frontliners in human rights activism also need protection since they are often exposed to danger.” Utawaleza calls on recognized human rights defenders, organizations, and allies to join the movement and help build a safer, more inclusive future for all in Malawi.