Phalombe discusses primary justice exit strategy
Phalombe District Council and its stakeholders on Friday discussed the exit strategy for a primary justice project implemented by the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) since 2008.
The project, which sought to improve the quality and availability of primary justice for the vulnerable, particularly women, children and the elderly, got funding from the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DfID).
during the training
Phalombe District Council chairperson Rex Malata said the council is ready to continue with project activities as the district has about 120 community based educators (CBEs) trained in the same by CCJP.
He said: “However, I plead that traditional leaders and tribunal counsellors be exemplary because people will trust your judgement only when your undertakings are impeccable.
“It is a necessity that chiefs desist from corrupt activities and favouritism in order for this primary justice project to be sustained.”
Group village head Bwanaisa of Traditional Authority Mkhumba urged fellow traditional leaders to support the CBEs during their monthly sensitisation campaigns on issues such as human rights abuse, land issues and gender-based violence by ensuring people attend.
Phalombe District Council primary justice project officer Osman Bwanali said much as the project has registered some successes, change of secretaries by chiefs continue to affect the quality of case documentation. n
