Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Rebecca Chimjeka
Published on 2024-03-29 06:00:07
Mobile courts have become a crucial tool in delivering justice to remote areas in Malawi, especially in combating gender-based violence (GBV). These courts, funded by organizations like the Gender Network for Equality in Malawi (Genet), play a significant role in ensuring that perpetrators of human rights abuses, such as sexual violence, are brought to book.
In a recent court session in Dowa District and Phalombe District, defendants accused of sexual violence were prosecuted and sentenced. For example, a 25-year-old man named Brown Robert was sentenced to 13 years in prison for defiling a 16-year-old girl. Despite pleading not guilty, Robert was convicted based on evidence presented by State witnesses.
The mobile courts operate within the Malawian justice system, serving isolated areas and reducing caseloads in urban centers. These courts have received praise from local authorities and stakeholders for their role in delivering justice to remote communities. The presence of mobile courts has led to a reduction in the number of defilement and rape cases registered, showcasing their impact in ensuring favorable judgments for victims.
While mobile courts are not a long-term solution to the lack of basic infrastructure for forensic evidence in sexual assault trials, they serve as a temporary measure until the government extends justice services to rural areas. Stakeholders have emphasized the importance of increasing funding for mobile courts to address GBV incidents effectively.
The initiative has received recognition from international organizations like Comic Relief, which supports projects aimed at empowering women and girls in Malawi. The British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie, commended the efforts to combat GBV and promote gender equality through mobile courts. Stakeholders, including researchers and program advisers, have highlighted the positive impact of mobile courts on community attitudes towards GBV and the justice system.
It is crucial for government officials and stakeholders to continue supporting mobile courts as a vital tool in addressing human rights abuses, particularly gender-based violence. By empowering victims to report incidents and holding perpetrators accountable, mobile courts contribute to creating safer environments for girls and women in Malawi. Allocating resources to prevention programs and survivor support services is essential in ensuring that victims receive the necessary support to recover from the trauma of defilement incidents.
In conclusion, mobile courts play a crucial role in delivering justice to remote and isolated communities in Malawi, particularly in cases of gender-based violence. These courts serve as a temporary solution until the government can extend justice services to rural areas, helping to reduce GBV incidents and empower victims to seek justice. Continued support and funding for mobile courts are essential in addressing human rights abuses and promoting gender equality in Malawi.
Read the original article on The Times
