Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has penned President Lazarus Chakwera seeking an audience over the controversial Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Act Amendment Bill.

In a letter dated April 12, 2022 addressed to President Chakwera signed by HRDC Chairperson Gift Trapence, the grouping said the Bill “imposes serious limitations to Constitutional freedoms including freedom of association and political rights”.

According to HRDC, there is need to address all glaring concerns before the President assents to the Bill.

“We trust that through your sound leadership, [civil society organizations] CSOs and government can find common ground in ensuring that the NGO Amendment Bill pass the test of the Constitution and international law and meets its good intention, ” reads part of the letter.

Parliament passed the NGO Act Amendment Bill last month but CSOs argue the Bill aims at gagging their operations. The Bill defines roles of the NGO Board and Council for Non-Governmental Organizations in Malawi and demands accountability for funds among others.