The Malawi Judiciary and other players in the justice sector are attending an e-justice national conference in Lilongwe. Other institutions attending the conference include Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Malawi Police Service, Malawi Prisons Service, Legal Aid Bureau, Anti–Corruption Bureau, Office of the Ombudsman, E-Government Unit, academia and Civil Society Organisations. Also at the conference are external facilitators from the Judiciary of Tanzania.
The conference commenced on 17th and will end on 18th September, 2024. It is being held under the theme, Relying on Digital Transformation to Close the Justice Gap. The objective of the conference is to explore the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation in the justice system in Malawi.
Speaking at the conference, United Nations Development Programme resident representative in Malawi, Madam Fenella Frost, said that digitalisation has become an everyday part of life including on matters relating to justice. She said that justice must be accessible to all regardless of where one is. She stated that digital justice systems provide service at a reduced cost. She pointed out that while digital platforms have their own challenges, developers should ensure that systems developed are usable even by an average man so that no one is left behind in digitalisation.
Taking his turn Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Honourable Justice Titus Mvalo, observed that digital technology presents an opportunity to transform the justice sector so that justice is accessible to everyone. He noted that access to justice is a fundamental right.
Opening the conference, Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda, SC observed that the justice sector needs transformation and that all must be prepared to transform. He explained that technological advancement can improve efficiency and effectiveness of justice delivery, an aspect which the society at large expects.
The conference has been funded by United Nations Development Programme.
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