By Smart Chalika
High Court Criminal Division Judge, Justice Edah Ngwira Mwakibinga, has urged stakeholders to work together in advancing human rights and improving access to justice in Malawi.
She made the call at Kachere Women’s Prison in Lilongwe during the commemoration of the 2025 International Human Rights Day.
Justice Mwakibinga noted that enhancing access to justice is key to reducing congestion in the country’s prisons, many of which remain overcrowded due to delayed case conclusions.
She reaffirmed the High Court’s commitment to speeding up judgments, stressing that no inmate should remain on remand for years without a verdict, and that the rights of all inmates must be upheld.
Deputy Country Director for Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI), Dunia Phande, described Human Rights Day as a reminder of the nation’s obligation to safeguard access to justice.
She said IRLI is dedicated to supporting prison decongestion efforts by ensuring that all citizens especially the vulnerable can obtain justice.
Phande also encouraged Malawians to embrace, respect, and promote human rights in their communities.
Kachere Women’s Prison Officer-in-Charge, Moline Timverane, acknowledged the facility’s persistent challenges, including congestion.
She, however, highlighted progress in rehabilitation programmes, noting that inmates are gaining skills in sewing and fashion design.
She appealed for more support to expand such initiatives so more women can benefit and reintegrate as responsible citizens upon release.
Kachere Women’s Prison currently houses over 120 inmates despite having a capacity of just 80.
The 2025 International Human Rights Day was commemorated under the theme “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essential.”
