Stakeholders during the launch
The Bureau has on 19th December 2024 launched its second Strategic Plan which will guide its operations from 2024 to 2029.
The document focuses on enhancing the Bureau’s efficiency and capacity to offer quality legal aid services while sustaining and consolidating its gains over the years.
During the colourful launch, which took place at Edge Water Court in Lilongwe, Acting Director Chimwemwe Chithope-Mwale pointed out that the Strategic Plan will build on major milestones that aim at assisting the indigent population.
“With this document, like in the biblical story of a mass exodus from Egypt, the Bureau and its clients hope to reach the promised land and make access to justice for all a reality, as envisaged by SDG 16.
“Through this document, the Bureau has a torch that will light its path and guide its journey in providing legal aid for the next 5 years. Indigent and vulnerable Malawians will be given a fresh lease of hope that they will get a chance to have a slice of justice,” emphasized Chithope-Mwale.
In the next five years, the Bureau plans to improve its capacity and assist an increased number of clients, improve its client experience and satisfaction, make service delivery efficient, increase its outreach to rural-based clients, and increase the availability of resources.
According to UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Dr. Rowland Cole, the Bureau needs to strengthen its capacity and reach, especially for marginalized groups.
“The success of this plan depends on sustained investments, effective collaboration among stakeholders, and a commitment to placing human rights at the heart of justice delivery,” added Dr. Cole.
Chairperson for the Public Appointments Committee of Parliament, Hon. Joyce Chitsulo, who was the guest of honour at the launch, commended efforts that the Bureau is making in ensuring that the poor easily access justice. She has since assured that her committee and Parliament will continue supporting those efforts, most especially in managing challenges that are recurrent within the Bureau.
At the launch were different stakeholders including representatives from the Irish Rule of Law International, Malawi Prison, Independent Complaints Commission, Ministry of Justice, Paralegal Advisory Services Institute, and others.
All activities that have led to the launch of the Strategic Plan were funded by the UNDP Malawi.
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