Challenging the use of the criminal justice system in a manner that targets poor and marginalised persons, wide-scale impunity for abusive policing practices, over-criminalisation and overcrowding in prisons.
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Ongoing Cases
Malawi: Protecting the rights of refugees
On 29 May 2023, a judicial review application was filed on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers in Malawi, challenging the detention of refugees and asylum seekers including children. The…
Malawi: Lilongwe informal traders challenge eviction and confiscation of goods
On 5 June 2023, the High Court of Malawi granted leave for judicial review to challenge the Lilongwe by-laws evicting informal traders from plying their trade on the streets and…
Completed Cases
The Blantyre informal traders are challenging forced eviction from the marketplace by the city council.
Background Suicide continues to be a global health concern, affecting all continents. During the lockdown period to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic between April and September 2020, Malawi…
Background On 15 June 2022, a 17-year-old boy was allegedly found in possession of 78 plastic bags (weighing about 134 kilograms) of Indian hemp at his home. He was subsequently…
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…
Articles
Addressing prison overcrowding
According to data from the World Prison Brief, there are approximately 398,206 individuals incarcerated in the SADC region. Of the 16 SADC States, only 4 have a prison occupancy rate…
The right to vote for prisoners in SADC
African LII 19 March 2025 By Anneke Meerkotter The treatment of prisoners in any country reflects its level of democracy and commitment to the rule of law. However, many citizens…
Resources
Petty policing practices
African Disability Rights Yearbook Volume 12 Petty policing practices: Enforcement of minor offences against persons with psychosocial disabilities in three East African countries By Anneke Meerkotter Anneke Meerkotter contributed an…
Compêndio de jurisprudência sobre direitos humanos
Entre 2014 e 2024, os juízes e a comunidade jurídica que participaram no Fórum Regional Africano de Juízes (ARJF) discutiram vários casos que fizeram avançar os direitos humanos e a…
