The Legal Aid Bureau says lack of knowledge among vulnerable groups on where to get legal representation is hindering their access to justice.
The bureau’s spokesperson Jacqueline Ngongonda has since urged communities in Balaka to utilise the Chilungamo (Justice and Accountability) Project which, among other things, enables people to get legal representation.
to access justice
Speaking on Monday during an awareness campaign meeting in the district, she said many Malawians are not familiar with justice-related services offered by various institutions, including the Office of the Ombudsman, Malawi Human Rights Commission and Legal Aid Bureau.
“We have been receiving referrals where people report cases to institutions not mandated to handle such cases. This awareness campaign seeks to inform the masses on where they can get legal assistance for free.
“We also want to reach out to prisoners who are congested in various prisons due to lack of representation in court,” said Ngongonda.
Group village head Thawisa of sub-Traditional Authority Phalula described the campaign as an eye opener to many people in his area.
He said the bureau has enabled him to reduce cases of land disputes and chieftainship wrangles which he said are rampant in his area.
The Chilungamo Project is funded by the European Union.
