The Malawi Human Rights Commission has called for a thorough investigation into the causes of the rising cases of child sexual abuse in the country.

Speaking in Rumphi on Friday, MHRC Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Officer, Blandina Zammimba, said despite efforts by various stakeholders against the vice, the cases remains rampant.

Zammimba emphasizes the need for collective action, urging Malawians and local leaders to join forces to combat this issue. 

"For Malawi to deal with child abuse cases we need to hold hands starting from local leaders, our chiefs need to take a role as well" said Zammimba.

Meanwhile, Rumphi Civil Society Network Governance Chairperson, Lowani Kalua adds that authorities should encourage reporting of cases to relevant institutions like police.

Kalua has also pleaded for adequate support for survivors if the country is to win the battle and for a better Malawi.

"We need to strengthen our support towards survivors of child sexual abuse because currently we do not have that"said Kalua.

The call is coming at a time Malawi is observing the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence.