One Round a Month? Malawi considers conjugal visits for inmates

A human rights organisation has sparked debate in Malawi after proposing that prisoners should be allowed conjugal visits with their partners, including private time for intimacy at least once a month.

The Centre for Human Rights Education and Advice (CHREA) says the proposal is meant to address strained relationships caused by long periods of separation and to reduce risky behaviours that may arise when spouses are kept apart.

CHREA Executive Director Victor Mhango told Zodiak Online that denying inmates and their partners any form of conjugal contact is contributing to broken relationships, as well as encouraging some partners to seek alternative relationships outside marriage.

He argued that both prisoners and their spouses continue to have natural sexual needs, and said a regulated system of conjugal visits could help manage social and health-related consequences linked to long-term incarceration.

However, the Malawi Prison Service has rejected the idea.

Prisons spokesperson Steven Meke said inmates are not allowed to engage in sexual activities while in custody, stressing that current laws do not provide for conjugal visits in correctional facilities.

Meke maintained that any such arrangement would require legal changes before it could be considered, as existing prison regulations must be followed.

The proposal has since triggered public debate in Malawi, with some calling it a progressive human rights issue, while others argue it is unrealistic within the current legal and prison system framework.