Rule of Law

Children's Rights Criminal Justice Malawi Ongoing cases Rule of Law

MALAWI: ENDING IMPUNITY OF POLICE OFFICERS – CASE CONCERNING ABDUCTION AND RAPE OF GIRL CHILD

Background Section 153 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi and Section 4 of the Malawi Police Services Act provide that the Malawi Police Services’ mandate is to provide protection and maintenance of public safety and the rights of persons in Malawi according to the prescription of human rights…

Luntha Chimbwete18 May 2022

Criminal Justice Health Rights Malawi Ongoing cases Rule of Law

MALAWI: CASE CONCERNING MALNUTRITION IN PRISONS

Background The Constitution of the Republic of Malawi states in Section 42(1)(b) that “every person who is detained, including every sentenced prisoner, shall have the right to be detained under conditions consistent with human dignity, which shall include at least the provision of…adequate nutrition…”. The UN Standard Minimum Rules for…

Luntha Chimbwete13 May 2022

Eswatini Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association News Rule of Law SOGIE Rights

NEWS RELEASE: ESWATINI HIGH COURT AFFIRMS LGBTIQ+ RIGHTS YET DENIES REGISTRATION OF LGBTIQ+ ORGANISATION

29 April 2022, Mbabane - Today, the Eswatini High Court, per Dlamini J and Fakudze J, upheld the decision to refuse registration of Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities (ESGM). In a dissenting opinion, Maphanga J agreed with Applicants that the decision of the Registrar of Companies was unreasonable. Dlamini J…

Bradley Fortuin29 Apr 2022

Articles and Opinions Criminal Justice Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association Malawi Rule of Law

Free Press: Cornerstone of Democracy

The Nation 13 April 2022 By Chikondi Chijozi and Ruth Kaima The role of the media in any society is to investigate and share information and ideas, in particular on issues of public interest so that the public is informed and able to play its part in political, economic, and…

Luntha Chimbwete13 Apr 2022

Blog Eswatini Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association Rule of Law

WHERE TO FOR ESWATINI AS THE MONARCHY CONTINUES TO STIFLE DISSENT?

The past week saw three developments that epitomise the continued socio-political crisis in Eswatini, a crisis that remains largely ignored outside of the country’s borders. A study released on 25 January 2022 found that a third of the population experience high acute food insecurity. Such high levels of food insecurity…

Staff Writer4 Feb 2022

Blog Eswatini Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association Rule of Law

REFUSING BAIL OF MPs REEKS OF POLITICS NOT JUSTICE

On 25 July 2021, Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were arrested and charged with the contravention of section 5(1) read with section 2(a)-(d) of the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008. The State asserted that the two accused were responsible for the recent unrest after they…

Staff Writer20 Aug 2021

Eswatini Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association News Rule of Law

STATEMENT: SALC CALLS FOR THE RECUSAL OF 2 JUDGES IN ESWATINI TERRORISM CASE

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) is concerned by the travesty of justice and violation of judicial independence that might occur if the terrorism and sedition appeal before the Supreme Court of Eswatini proceeds on 30 August 2021. “The disregard of judicial independence in political matters is often mooted in…

Staff Writer18 Aug 2021

Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association News Rule of Law Zambia

Statement calling on the government of Zambia to uphold human rights ahead of the upcoming elections

On 12 August 2021, general elections will be held in Zambia wherein voters will elect a President, 156 members of parliament, and 117 district council leaders. The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) calls upon Zambian authorities and political parties to commit to respecting, protecting, promoting, and ensuring full respect for…

Staff Writer11 Aug 2021

Business and Human Rights Criminal Justice Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association Health Rights Rule of Law Submissions Zimbabwe

SALC SUBMISSION ON ZIMBABWE’S 3RD UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW

Zimbabwe is in the midst of an economic crisis, which has only been exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown restrictions have led to a decrease in manufacturing, non-mineral exports, hospitality, trade and transport sectors. Despite Zimbabwe’s Constitution, there is a serious deterioration of the political, economic and…

Staff Writer15 Jul 2021

News Rule of Law Zimbabwe

SALC statement on the judicial independence, separation of powers and the rule of law in Zimbabwe

SALC is concerned by the ongoing threats to the independence of judicial officers and lawyers in Zimbabwe. SALC urges the government of Zimbabwe to respect the rule of law and the doctrine of separation of powers, which is a key component of a free and democratic society. Section 164 of…

Staff Writer20 May 2021