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The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the release of two Malawians who were sentenced to 14 years hard labour in jail on a charge of gross public indecency. The United Nations must be commended for intervening to ensure that human rights were upheld in this case.

While this announcement must be welcomed, it remains the case that in far too many places, both on this continent and outside of it, the human rights of gay and lesbian people continue to be suppressed.

I will be writing to the Minister of International Relations & Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, asking her to ensure that South Africa ramps up its engagement with the governments of Malawi and all other states that suppress basic human freedoms.