Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Malawi Voice
Published on 2024-03-15 11:54:04
The Legal Aid Bureau has made significant strides in providing access to justice for the poor and marginalized members of the public in Malawi. Since being delinked from the Ministry of Justice in 2015, the Bureau has handled over 23,000 cases in nine years, showcasing its commitment to serving those in need of legal assistance.
Director Trouble Kalua highlighted the growth and expansion of the Bureau over the past nine years. From three regional offices in 2015, the Bureau now operates in four regional offices in Blantyre (South), Zomba (East), Lilongwe (Center), and Mzuzu (North), along with seventeen district legal aid offices in various locations across the country. Plans are also in place to open four additional district offices in Chikwawa, Ntchisi, Chiradzulu, and Nkhatabay to further extend their reach to communities in need.
The Bureau has significantly increased its staffing capacity, growing from 32 employees in 2015 to 221 employees in 2024, including 48 lawyers and 57 paralegals. This increase in personnel has enabled the Bureau to handle a larger volume of cases and provide timely legal assistance to those who require it.
Since 2019, the Bureau has been implementing a Pro Bono Scheme in partnership with the Malawi Law Society, allowing members of the public who cannot afford a private lawyer to access legal services at no additional cost. In 2023, the Bureau and the Malawi Law Society jointly launched a Nationwide Pro Bono Legal Services Scheme to extend free legal services to local communities across the country.
To improve access to legal aid services, the Bureau Chief installed toll-free telephones in 32 police stations nationwide, providing arrested individuals with the opportunity to seek legal assistance for free. Additionally, in August 2021, the Bureau transitioned from a paper-based case management system to an Electronic Case Management System, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of legal aid provision in Malawi.
Overall, the Legal Aid Bureau has made significant progress in enhancing access to justice for the vulnerable and marginalized populations in Malawi. Through its expansion, recruitment initiatives, and innovative service delivery, the Bureau continues to play a vital role in ensuring that all individuals have equal access to legal representation and support when needed.
Read the original article on Malawi Voice
