Mzuzu Diocese CCJP
+265 01 303 748 | johnchawinga@sdnp.org.mw
What is CCJP
The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace is an advocacy arm of the Catholic Church in Mzuzu Diocese; it deals in issues of human rights, democracy, good governance and rule of law.
The mission and objectives of CCJP are derived from the mission of Jesus Christ Himself according to the Gospel of St Luke 4: 18- 19: The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind; to set free the oppressed and to announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people.
CCJP Objectives
Ensure that human rights and responsibilities are known, appreciated and claimed by all Malawians
The Marginalised participate in social economic development and decision- making process at various levels of the society
Services Provided by CCJP
(a) Creating Awareness on Issues of Human rights, Democracy, Good Governance and Rule of Law This is done through the Catholic Church Structure from parish level to outstation, and small Christian community levels. The process involves identifying the committee members at parish level and training them in issues of human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law; the parish committee in turn trains committees at outstation level and the contact persons in the small Christian communities. These people form a pull of volunteers through which CCJP works.
(b) Monitoring, reporting and Redress of Human rights Violations The volunteers who are spread across the Diocese are also involved in monitoring, reporting and redressing of human rights violations. The volunteers also help in directing the victims of human rights violations to constitutional human rights bodies e.g. the Ombudsman, ant- Corruption Bureau, legal Aid etc.
(c) Advocacy on Legislative and Policy change including changes in Cultural Practices and Beliefs. CCJP works as a watchdog for the people of Malawi by monitoring legislature and policies that are under consideration by government; and analyzing them to see if they are in the interest of the nation. When the analysis shows that the policies and legislature are not in the interest of the people; CCJP campaigns for their withdrawal. CCJP also carries advocacy campaigns against cultural practices and beliefs that have negative impact on the vulnerable group of people i.e. the women and children.
