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(NYASATIMES) Malawi to change archaic laws – Mutharika

Malawi to change archaic laws – Mutharika
By Nyasa Times
Published: July 11, 2009

Malawi government plans to present bills in parliament for amendment of laws which are archaic in keeping with the present political order, Justice Minister Professor Arthur Mutharika has hinted.

Mutharika noted that most laws in the constitution of Malawi are not relevant to the current needs. The Justice Minister cited laws such as adoption to be highlighted for review.

“We need to get a new structure we have many laws that are outdated, the Madonna saga is a very good example, the adoption law goes back as 1946,” said Mutharika.

He was speaking was receiving in donation equipment worth K250 million to Ministry of Justice by European Union (EU) to ensure sustainable service delivery of justice in the country.

“We will work with the Law commission and others to change them, and the present facilities will help us in that direction,” said Mutharika after receiving a boost of sixteen 4×4 station wagons, four ambulances, two moving cells, seven saloons and one bus with 35 laptops, 156 desktop computers 2LCD projectors, 9 computer servers, 14 copiers, 10 fax machines and 70 printers.

The donation was made to complement the Rule of Law and Civic education project currently being run by ministry of justice in conjunction with other organizations which targets at consolidating democracy and good governance.

Mutharika commended EU for the donation saying it help the judiciary to take justice to people and not have people searching for justice.

Some of the vehicles given will be used as transport for magistrates to travel to communities and assist people in matters of justice and human rights while some will be used to transport prisoners.

Mutharika also observed that prisoners condition in the country’s jails were appalling, in human, life threatening and degrading.

The Justice Minister pointed out that prisons do not fall directly under the jurisdiction of his Ministry.

However, Mutharika said government and its stakeholders will work towards the improvement of the conditions of the prisoners among other things ensuring that human rights of the same are promoted.

EU’s Head of delegation, Allessandro Marian said: “Good governance and the Rule of Law are the fundamental pillars of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy and the pillars of the development of each and every country in the world.”

Law Students from the University of Malawi will also benefit from the donation by getting computers.

Other institutions under the Rule of Law project also expected to benefit from the package include the Anti Corruption Bureau, The Electoral Commission, Malawi Human Rights Commission, The law Commission, the Judiciary, the Malawi Prison Services, The Ministry of Justice, the Nation Archives, The National Assembly and the Ombudsman’ office.

Labels: ARTHUR MUTHARIKA, MALAWI

posted by MrK @ 8:42 PM