On Monday, December 10^th, the EU Ambassador to Malawi joined other EU Member States heads of Mission to celebrate Human Rights Day at Maula prison in Lilongwe.  The event was organised by the Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) in collaboration with the Paralegal Advisory Service (PASI).  Both IRLI and PASI receive funding from the European Union to implement projects on improving access to justice in Malawi.

EU Ambassador to Malawi, Sandra Paesen, Irish Ambassador, Gerry Cunningham and German Ambassador Jürgen Borsch, emphasised the universality of rights that everyone is equal, and that is what today commemorates. They all quoted the 1st article of the UDHR in their speeches: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."

The highlight of the event was when the prisoners were given an opportunity to ask questions to members of the Judiciary, Legal Aid Bureau, Police, and the prison service. Prisoners asked questions on forced confessions, long remand periods and long prison sentences among others.

Justice Esime Chombo, who was the guest of honour, noted that those working in criminal justice system have a higher responsibility to ensure that human rights are observed. "Today we stand up for detainees, prisoners and those who have come in conflict with the law", she said.

The commemoration at Maula Prison was spiced up with various performances by the detainees including music and dance and acrobatics. The event was concluded with a symbolic presentation of gifts to the detainees including, footballs, meat, soap and t-shirts. Maula Prison has about 2,703 remandees and detainees.