Prison Fellowship International (PFI) says the newly passed Prison Bill will help improve prison services and help prisoners contribute towards the country’s economic transformation.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Tuesday during a meeting with Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola-Banda, the visiting PFI president and chief executive officer Andy Corley said many countries are struggling with crime and recidivism and need to have legislation that improves the prison system.
He said: “No country has a complete functional prison system. Every country is struggling with crime due to dwindling resources channelled towards addressing crime and prisoners’ welfare.
“Deficiencies in the justice system result in innocent people being incarcerated.”
Corley said in other countries Halfway Houses (a concept of releasing prisoners to serve part of their time in a rehabilitation facility) have been industrialised.
In his remarks Chithyola-Banda said Parliament passed the Prisons Bill to replace the outdated 1956 Prisons Act.
“The new law emphasises a human rights-based approach, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners. Key changes include the prohibition of child detention and the provision of healthcare for pregnant women and prisoners with special needs.
“The Bill also introduces a parole system, independent prison visitors and increased oversight mechanisms.”
Banda said Prison Fellowship Malawi, an affiliate of PFI with its Halfway House in Balaka, has contributed towards crime reduction in the country.
PFM executive director Roderick Zalimba said Corley is on an administrative visit to orient himself with some national prison fellowships since becoming president.
