By Richard Kagunda

Kasungu, 30, Mana: Duty bearers in Kasungu District have been advised to respect and observe people’s entitlements when executing their duties, saying good service delivery should be accompanied by respect for human dignity.

Deputy Director for Child Rights under Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Jeremiah Mpaso, said this on Friday in Kasungu District during a training the commission organized to raise awareness on entitlements for all.

“We thought it wise to reach out to duty bearers to remind them about the significance of respecting people’s rights because they are the service providers and when executing their duties, they need to do it responsibly in the sense that they do not have to violate entitlements for rights holders.

“A duty bearer has obligations and responsibilities about the realization of human rights. We expect them to be at the forefront in promoting human rights and even educate those who are ignorant about their rights.” Mpaso said.

He added: “Duty bearers should be reminded that they are there to serve the people and not otherwise. Therefore, they are obligated to respect, promote, as well as realize human rights and refrain from any form of violation.”

Mpaso also said some rights holders are ignorant about their rights hence they are unable to know and challenge violations.

District Social Welfare Officer for Kasungu, Ephraim Njikho commended MHRC for conducting the training, describing it as a timely reminder to service providers on the need to serve people with diligence.

“It is a wake-up call to all of us that we must respect the rights of the people we serve.

“We must refrain from exploiting the vulnerability of the people we serve to our advantage. We applaud the MHRC for deciding to bring this training here in Kasungu.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi provide a road map for equality and freedom of every individual to be served with respect and dignity.