By Vincent Gunde
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (the Commission) has called for inputs from the general public and interested organizations to inform it on any issues affecting access to justice and judicial accountability in the country.
The MHRC says it has noted the recent calls for accountability of the judiciary which has the responsibility of interpreting, protecting and enforcing the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi and all laws in an independent and impartial manner.
The Commission says the accountability of the judiciary has a bearing on the right to access justice where there is an allegation of violation of any right in the Constitution, it is mandated to investigate such a violation.
In a statement dated 29th October, 2024 signed by its Chairperson Chikondi Chijozi, the Commission says it has plans to undertake a public inquiry into access of justice and judicial accountability focusing on challenges in accessing justice.
The Commission says it will look at the current costs of accessing justice and securing legal representatives, the impact of these costs on access to, and quality of justice, an assessment of judicial accountability, integrity, and competency, and the need for any changes in the law, policies, and practices in addressing issues related to access to justice.
“The Commission must assist any individual, group of individuals with sufficient interest who wish to defend their constitutional rights,” reads the statement in part.
 has called for inputs from the general public and interested organizations to inform it on any issues affecting access to…){kind=link}