The Malawi Human Rights Commission has elected human rights lawyer Chikondi Chijozi as chairperson for the 8th cohort.
Chijozi takes over from Scader Lewis, who was chairperson for the 7th cohort.
In a statement Wednesday, MHRC Executive Secretary Habiba Osman said, pursuant to Section 6(1) of the Human Rights Commission Act, the full commission sat on Wednesday, October 25 2023, in Lilongwe where they elected Chijozi as the new chairperson.
According to Osman, Chijozi has 18 years’ experience as a human rights defender.
Currently, Chijozi is heading the Criminal Justice Programme at Southern Africa Litigation Centre.
She previously worked as the Deputy Executive Director at the Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance.
“She is a strong advocate for rights of prisoners, women, children and other vulnerable persons. She previously served in the 7th Cohort of the Commission.
“On behalf of the commission, we take this opportunity to congratulate Commissioner Chijozi on her election to such a high office in a constitutional body,” Osman said.
In an interview Wednesday, Chijozi said she was extremely humbled by the trust that the commissioners have placed in her.
“We, as a commission, all know that the mandate that we have is to protect the human rights of everyone. I am really honoured that the commissioners have entrusted me to carry that mantle and to make sure that the commission achieves the mandate that it was established for,” Chijozi said.
