On the 23^rd July 2018, the United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) and European Union (EU) officially handed over 2 motor vehicles and 8 motorcycles to the Paralegal Advisory Services Institute (PASI), for the Access to Justice Through Paralegal and Village Mediation Services Project.

The transport equipment that were handed over, are part of other assets that included 450 bicycles, handed over to PASI during the official Launch of the Project that took place on the 22nd May 2018 at Mzuzu Prison Grounds in Mzuzu City. The project has also procured computers, printers and furniture.

Speaking during the symbolic presentation of the vehicles and motorcycles at the UNDP Offices, The Deputy Resident for Operations at UNDP, Ms. Katarzyna Wawiernia said that the transport equipment handed over will help facilitate the smooth implementation of the Access to Justice project. She also urged the implementing partner to utilise the assets for their intended purpose as a means in achieving the project’s results.

The Head of Political section at the delegation of the EU, Mr. Fabrice Basile, conveyed EU’s commitment in promoting access to justice in Malawi and that the procured vehicles will go a long way to help deliver justice to those who need it in the communities.

Representing PASI as the implementing partner for the project, was the National Director, Mr. Clifford Msisya who extended his appreciation to the EU and UNDP for the financial assistance to the project. He further assured that all the equipment procured to be rightly used in helping deliver justice and legal empowerment for the poor and vulnerable groups.

Access to formal justice by the rural populace, especially women remains one of the key social challenges in Malawi; a development which derails development initiatives.  The “Chilungamo - Access to Justice through Village Mediation and Paralegal Services Project”, which is jointly funded by EU and UNDP, aims to provide a cost effective, efficient and inclusive approach to increasing access to justice by the poor and vulnerable groups, through the provision of a national paralegal aid and village mediation services.