Journalists from different media houses
The Bureau in collaboration with the Office of the Ombudsman (OoO) and the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) is holding a media engagement meeting in Mzuzu to ensure that media practitioners understand mandates of the institutions and disseminate accurate information.
The two-day event being held at Chatonda Lodge has called for the participation of over 30 journalists under the Nyika Media Club and has been funded by the European Union in Malawi’s Chilungamo Programme II.
Making her opening remarks on behalf of the three constitutional bodies, Assistant Director for Malawi Legal Aid Bureau, Bwighane Mwanifumbo Masanjala, pointed out that journalists are a strategic partner in enforcing human rights and access to justice.
“This meeting is essential because it will sensitize the public about the services that we provide and will equally make people aware of which institution to go to if they need assistance,” explained Masanjala.
Commenting on his part, Chairperson for the Nyika Media Club, Feston Malekezo, highlighted that such meetings are eye opening and pose as good grounds for improving the referral system of the three institutions.
“These institutions have laid a solid foundation for dissemination of information. Through these engagements, we are learning more about their functions, not just writing about their investigations and reports,” added Malekezo.
Presentations that have been made on the first day are introductions of the three institutions in terms of their mandates and how they work together. Other presentations made are about the legal frameworks of each institution.
Masanjala made a presentation on the background and mandate of the Bureau while Principal Legal Aid Advocate Jones Chiwalo made a presentation about the Bureau's legal framework.
The Chilungamo Programme II is funding the activity through the awareness raising pool funds where the MHRC, LAB, and OoO will be jointly carrying out activities aimed at raising awareness in the promotion of access to justice in Malawi for five years.
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