In the documentary, Producer Muireann De Barra explores alternative approaches to justice in one of the least developed countries in the world.

'Chilungamo: Pathways to Justice in Malawi' explores the root causes, impact and responses to a silent crisis at the heart of one of the world's least developed countries in the world.

With a mounting prison population reaching 240% above capacity and where 90% of accused persons will go through the courts process without any legal representation, Malawi's under-resourced and over-burdened criminal justice system faces unprecedented challenges in a country known as ‘the warm heart’ of Africa.

With many held without trial for long periods and often without contact with or in the knowledge of family on the outside, thousands of Malawians languish in overcrowded and inadequate prison conditions where the risk of hunger, malnutrition and spread of communicable diseases runs high.

Travelling to Malawi and granted extraordinary access, producer Muireann de Barra observes the work of local paralegals and international volunteer lawyers placed by Irish organisation, Irish Rule of Law International to work alongside the main institutional players of Malawi's Criminal Justice System.

Visiting traditional communities, Police stations and Lilongwe's Maula Prison, the documentary offers unique insight into interventions on the ground through the use of 'camp courts'- where cases are heard inside the prison- community sensitisations and child diversion projects seeking to redirect children away from the criminal justice system.

"Before you came, we were in the dark...now we are able to follow what the legal system is all about here in Malawi " traditional community leader speaking to Producer Muireann de Barra

Told in an observational style and with contributions from the UN, Irish Aid, Irish Rule of Law International and Paralegal Advisory Service Institute, 'Chilungamo: Pathways to Justice in Malawi' weaves a rich exploration of the context, challenges and human stories at the heart of this silent crisis.

Supported by Simon Cumbers Media Fund

Chilungamo: Pathways to Justice in Malawi

Freedom On The Mat tells the story of a group of Palestinian women as they bring the benefits of yoga to communities, villages and refugee camps throughout the West Bank.

Produced by Muireann de Barra (Ireland) 
Translation by Lubna Takruri

More information: http://freedomonthemat.com
Email: freedomonthemat@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freedomonthemat
Twitter: @freedomonthemat
© Muireann de Barra 2015 

Freedom On The Mat

An interview with HIRN Director and co-founder Hamed Qawasmeh in Hebron, Palestine following the inauguration of a new secondary school for girls in ZIf (South East Hebron) which was opened on May 10th 2016 and part-funded with the support of the TUI Third World Fund. 

‘You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.’ 	Brigham Young 

Produced by Muireann de Barra 

Freedom On The Mat

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