Niassa Province, Mozambique – As part of its decentralization and expansion efforts, the Justice Office has been challenged to establish a provincial delegation in Niassa, in order to bring its services closer to citizens and strengthen access to justice and rights protection.
The call was made by Isabel Chande, Permanent Secretary of Lake District, during the closing of a Round Table organized by the Justice Office in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The event brought together public officials, community and religious leaders, and civil society representatives.
Chande stressed that the expansion of the Ombudsman’s institution to Niassa is essential for meeting local needs. She also encouraged participants to act as “information ambassadors”, raising awareness about the role of the Ombudsman among those unfamiliar with its mission.
The Round Table focused on topics including the right to information, freedom of expression, and good public service practices, with a strong emphasis on eliminating gender barriers.
The decentralization agenda is already underway, with the inauguration of the first provincial delegation in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, scheduled for September 11. This milestone will strengthen the Ombudsman’s institutional presence at the community level, reaffirming its commitment to defending and promoting fundamental rights, freedoms, and guarantees.
Ombudsman Assessor Felismina Muhacha highlighted the importance of building a community support network to facilitate dissemination of information and complaint mechanisms, positioning civil society as a key partner in accountability efforts.
The Round Table, moderated by Paulo André Chiatela, featured interactive debates around four themes:
- The role of the Ombudsman and complaint mechanisms – Felismina Muhacha
- Challenges of media in access to information versus freedom of expression – Davide Muanga, District Community Radio
- Youth as agents of change: combating forced recruitment and challenges in education – CNJ District President
- Legality and access to justice at the district level – Nordino Massingue, IPAJ Delegate
The session created an inclusive platform for dialogue, reinforcing the importance of bringing the Justice Office closer to communities and consolidating citizenship through access to information, freedom of expression, and inclusive public service delivery.
