Release date: 2023-07-27. Lilongwe, Malawi.

Humanium Metal, a groundbreaking innovation by NGO IM Swedish Development Partner, is set to carry out its second firearm destruction event in Southern Africa, this time in Malawi. The event, scheduled for Thursday, July 28, 2023, in collaboration with the Malawi Police Service and the PEFENAP organisation, aims to combat the global issue of firearm violence by transforming illegal and surrendered firearms into high-end products and art designed to raise awareness and promote peace.

The excessive proliferation of small arms and light weapons poses significant threats to Malawi’s economic and social fabric, making gun violence a pressing issue that demands solutions and support from the local and international community. In response to this urgent matter, the Malawi Police Service, together with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife of Malawi, People’s Federation for National Peace and Development, and IM Swedish Development Partner’s Humanium Metal Initiative, is organizing a National Day of Gun Destruction on July 28, 2023. The event, held at the Police headquarters in Lilongwe, will unite diverse stakeholders, including the private sector, media, civil society, faith communities, consumers, and the government, to collectively destroy over 1000 illicit guns.

Humanium Metal, known as the world’s most valuable metal, represents a symbolic transformation of firearms that can no longer be used to harm others. After melting down the weapons, Humanium Metal will partner with high-profile brands to create peaceful products. Notably, 70% of the profits generated from the sale of Humanium Metal will be donated to local civil society organizations to further their advocacy, education, and outreach efforts in the fight against gun violence.

The event aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact of illegal firearms and armed violence in Malawi, mobilizing stakeholders and the public to take immediate action. It will serve as a platform for diverse stakeholders to collaborate in developing comprehensive approaches to reduce the impact of illegal firearms and armed violence, fostering partnerships and knowledge sharing among different sectors of society.

The destruction of illegal firearms and the transformation of their materials into valuable Humanium Metal align with the United Nations Agenda 2030, specifically contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. This initiative sets the stage for more Humanium Metal destructions in the region and beyond.

Humanium Metal’s circular business model has gained recognition and support from the United Nations and other global organizations, leaders, and celebrities. Prominent figures like Leonardo DiCaprio, Forest Whitaker, and Dalai Lama have endorsed and worn products made with Humanium Metal, contributing to the initiative’s global reach and impact.

The media is invited to attend the event and witness the live video feed of firearms being destroyed at the Police headquarters in Lilongwe. After the ceremonial scene, the firearms will be taken to a smelting facility where they will be melted into raw material. This metal will then be transformed into a metal trademarked as Humanium Metal.

For more information about IM and Humanium Metal visit:
www.humanium-metal.com
www.imsweden.org/en

ABOUT IM
IM is a Swedish value-based member organisation with no party, political or religious affiliation. IM’s vision is a fair and humane world with the mission to fight and expose poverty and exclusion. IM empowers civil society, catalysing profound societal change towards equality and democracy as a feminist and anti-racist change agent.

PRESS CONTACTS:
Alev Karaduman, +46 72 246 80 49 alev.karaduman@imsweden.org
Cynthia Simkonda, +265999055276, cynthia.simkonda@imsweden.org
Kumbukani Kuntiya, +265888866033, kumbukani.kuntiya@imsweden.org