Africa-Press – Mozambique. The Mozambican president today called on the Mozambican Institute for Legal Assistance and Representation (Instituto de Assistência e Patrocínio Jurídico, IPAJ) to exercise “honour and good faith” in defending citizens, urging public defenders to exercise integrity and refrain from charging for services rendered.
“Citizens should find in the IPAJ the honour and good faith of an institution dedicated to serving them, guaranteeing them defence, dignity and trust in the justice system,” said Daniel Chapo during the opening of the international conference on access to justice and rights, an event in Maputo organized by IPAJ.
The Mozambican head of state reminded public defenders that legal assistance is defined in the Mozambican constitution, stating that it aims to prevent the segregation of citizens in access to law and justice for economic, cultural, and social reasons.
Chapo also stated that in a country with a democratic rule of law and social justice, the defence and promotion of human rights is crucial and essential for the realization of human dignity, and therefore called for concrete actions by the IPAJ to materialize this goal.
“Public defenders are required to be honest and know how to serve their target group, the needy citizens, with responsibility and speed in their daily work. Therefore, they must refrain from charging for services rendered,” Daniel Chapo urged.
The Mozambican president also reminded public defenders that the social interest of communities must guide their actions in safeguarding human rights, acknowledging challenges in this area of legal assistance.
“I refer, for example, to the reality of penitentiaries, the protection of minors in matters of parental authority and child support, as well as support for victims of terrorism and displaced populations, especially in the northern districts of Cabo Delgado province, in situations where fundamental rights are frequently compromised,” said Daniel Chapo.
The Mozambican head of state wants to review the law that created the IPAJ, arguing that its activities should not be confused with private law. He calls for further modernization of its operating methods, including the introduction of technology to ensure greater access to this service.
“And, because the right to legal assistance is fundamental, it is important that the state has a robust institution that prioritizes technical quality and has a broad framework of competencies, guarantees, and prerogatives, to ensure legal representation and legal assistance to economically disadvantaged citizens,” President Chapo said.
“It is the role of the IPAJ to support citizens, guiding them with justice, especially because the right to legal assistance and legal representation is enshrined in our constitution,” he concluded.
On March 15, Lusa reported that IPAJ, the Institute of Legal Assistance and Representation of Mozambique, assisted at least 268,000 people in 2024, with the number expected to increase to 311,000 in 2025.
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