The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), a human rights civil society organisation’s network in Malawi, has been prevented from proceeding with planned civic action aimed at raising concerns over xenophobic attacks affecting Malawians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
HRCC planned to organise peaceful demonstrations in Lilongwe and present a petition to the South African High Commission calling for urgent measures to protect Malawians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa. HRCC had notified the Lilongwe District Commissioner’s office of the planned demonstrations and formally informed the South African High Commission of the intended petition presentation.
The planned demonstration was subsequently stopped on 29 June 2026 by the Lilongwe District Commissioner, with the explanation that the notification had been received too late to allow the mandatory stakeholder engagement to take place before the planned action.
The civic-space concern has subsequently extended to HRCC’s efforts to deliver its petition to relevant diplomatic and international institutions, including the South African High Commission and the United Nations. The restriction raises concerns about the ability of civil society organisations to peacefully assemble, express concerns on matters of public interest and petition institutions without undue interference.
The issue being raised by HRCC relates to a human rights and humanitarian concern. Reports during June 2026 documented displacement, threats and attacks affecting foreign nationals in South Africa, including large number of Malawians seeking refuge or repatriation.