Irish Rule of Law International programme lawyer Martha Pigott says adherence to Malawi Childcare, Protection and Justice Act is crucial in ensuring rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law.
She said this on Saturday at Lumbadzi in Dowa during a refresher training of police officers on appropriate handling of child suspects.
Said Pigott: “Sometimes a child might be coming from a broken home, not having parents or support in school.
“So, to prevent them from committing more crimes or becoming more dangerous criminals before becoming adults, we have to intervene and rehabilitate them now while still young and put them on a better path.”
She, however, observed that one of the challenges was inadequate safe homes which she said affected police officers when they meet children who have committed offences.
Malawi Childcare, Protection and Justice Act of 2010 prohibits children in conflict with the law from being held in police cells.
Instead, the law requires children to be kept in safe homes and divert them from the criminal justice system for more minor offences.
Pigott urged police officers to work with parents of concerned children to ensure that they divert children’s cases away from court.
Lumbadzi Police Station officer in-charge Mecklina Mtanthiko Medi commended Irish Rule of Law International officials for organising the training.
The Irish Rule of Law International supported the training that sought to remind police officers about what the law says regarding to children in conflict with the law.
the district and the country as a whole.
“We know that Mafinga Irrigation Scheme will improve food production in Chitipa District. Malawi has always had high production of crops but these five years we have been struggling to sustain food security due to floods and dry spells,” he said.
Chitipa District Council principal agriculture officer Steven Msopole said they were pleased with the initiative.
“Farmers have received 200 bags of fertiliser and 800 kilogrammes of maize seeds. Therefore, the initiative will boost food production in the district,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Modester Mwalwanda commended Neef for helping the scheme with farm inputs.
“I have 0.4 hectares but due to financial constraints, I used to cultivate only half of it. But with this loan, I will cultivate the whole land,” she said.
