As the world prepares to commemorate World Day against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, 2024, Malawi is taking a significant step towards combating this heinous crime by launching a bench book aimed at guiding magistrates and judges when sentencing trafficking in persons offences, alongside a protection officers training manual.
Recently, judicial officers gathered in Lilongwe to validate the bench book, alongside stakeholders from the Ministry of Homeland Security, Malawi Law Commission, UNODC, Human Rights Commission, Plan International Malawi, and CADECOM Blantyre. Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda highlighted the challenges faced by the TIP Act since its enactment in 2015, including disparities in sentencing. The bench book aims to address these disparities and provide guidance on sentencing of TIP cases.
CADECOM Blantyre, with support from the United States Government - Department of State through Plan International Malawi, supported this exercise as part of its three-year project implemented in Mwanza and Mulanje districts. The organization's contributions to the development of the bench book will help ensure that traffickers are held accountable and victims receive the support they deserve.
