Magistrates to Undergo Commonwealth Training on Human Rights

A five-day workshop on the implementation of international human rights norms for Malawi magistrates will begin on 25 February 2008 in Mangochi, Malawi.

Organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat's Human Rights Unit (HRU), the workshop is aimed at sensitising the participants on the application of international human rights instruments in local courts, particularly in promoting and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups. The workshop will also encourage participants to use international comparative case law in courts.

"The workshop will also equip participants with knowledge and techniques of human rights training," said Mr Jarvis Matiya, Human Rights Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat. "These efforts are in line with the Malawi Government's Development Strategy (MGDS) which advocates the development of a strong justice system, the rule of law and protection of the fundamental rights of women and children."

Mr Matiya added that Commonwealth Heads of Government agreed at their Kampala summit meeting in November last year that the Commonwealth should increase its efforts to promote respect for human rights through public awareness and training for police, the judiciary, prison officers and security forces. He stated that the HRU works with member governments to promote human rights awareness and best practices. This includes the implementation of international human rights instruments and the strengthening of governance and national human rights institutions.

Commenting on the workshop, the Registrar of the High Court of Malawi, His Honour Sylvester Kalembera, said: "The workshop will offer an opportunity to the judiciary to enhance its capacity in the application of international human rights instruments to which Malawi is a party. We hope that some of the magistrates who have undergone training at the workshop will be able to train others on the implementation of international human rights conventions by upholding standards and practices.'

The workshop, to be opened by the Acting Chief Justice of Malawi, Justice James Kalaile, will be attended by more than 40 participants drawn from various magistrates' courts in the country. Representatives from the University of Malawi's Law Faculty and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights will help run the workshop in collaboration with the HRU.