Access to Justice Programme

About the Programme

RISE's work on access to justice has roots in our support for paralegal services and community advice offices in Malawi's democratic strengthening. Through the People's Leadership in Enhanced Advocacy Drives (PLEAD), we have significantly expanded equitable access to justice, especially for vulnerable and marginalized populations.

What We Do

RISE advances equitable justice through comprehensive legal aid services tailored for marginalized and vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities and economically disadvantaged populations. Our efforts include:

• Strengthening community-based justice mechanisms
• Alternative dispute resolution and restorative justice approaches
• Addressing structural, legal, cultural and financial barriers
• Public awareness of legal rights through Court Users Committees (CUCs)
• Fostering citizen engagement and demand for justice services

Key Achievements

Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

In collaboration with the Legal Aid Service Providers Network in Malawi under the "Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Malawi" (2022-2027) programme funded by Hivos, RISE is enhancing access to justice for those living in poor and vulnerable settings, particularly prison settings and communities of ex-prisoners.

Child Protection

RISE focuses on protecting children from violence by enhancing the capacity of child protection and justice actors to manage child cases in line with international standards. Our rehabilitation and reintegration programs support children in conflict with the law, enabling them to sustainably rebuild their lives within society.

Capacity Building

RISE works to enhance the capacities of legal aid service providers, especially civil society organizations and university legal aid clinics, to deliver services for arrested, accused and detained persons and victims and survivors of crime at all stages of the criminal justice process.

Policy Development

RISE is a key partner to the Government of Malawi in the development of a comprehensive legal aid policy and legal framework. Through a multi-year initiative, we have supported the drafting of the National Legal Aid Strategy and currently support the drafting of a national legal aid proclamation.