Access to justice is a critical to democracy, socioeconomic development - Chitsulo
The Chairperson of Public Appointments Committee (PAC) for Parliament, Joyce Chitsulo says access to justice is not merely a privilege for the few but a fundamental human right enshrined in the Malawi's Supreme Law of the Land, the Constitution and various International Legal Instruments to which Malawi is a signatory with an aim of deepening human rights values.
She was speaking on Thursday, December 19, 2024 in Lilongwe during the launch of Five Year Strategic Plan for the Legal Aid Bureau which she was the Guest of Honour.
In her remarks, Chitsulo said legal aid serves as the bridge between the law and voiceless.
"Legal Aid serves as the bridge between the law and those who lack the means to navigate it. It is the foundation upon which we can build a society that is fair, equitable and inclusive," said Chitsulo who is also Member of Parliament for Mwanza West constituency.
She also acknowledged the challenges the that the rural community faces in terms of accessing justice in the courts and that it is her solemn belief that the launched strategic plan will address such challenges.
"In this vein let me call upon all stakeholders to commit ourselves to the principles of fairness, equality and justice. Let us work together to dismantle the barriers that prevent so many Malawians from accessing the legal support they need and deserve," she said while appealing to the staff and other stakeholders not just sugarcoat the document but to fulfill its mandate.
She also thanked the staff the legal aid for the dounting task they do the society though with limited resources.
In his remarks, Acting Director of the Legal Aid Bureau Chimwemwe Chithope Mwale said that his office is committed to discharge its constitutional mandate of reaching many people as it can as long as resources are available and appealed to the donor community for the continued support.
The Strategic Plan has been funded by the European Union.