Pemba, Cabo Delgado – September, 2025 — Shortly after inaugurating its first provincial delegation in Cabo Delgado, the Office of Justice, in partnership with the National Commission for Human Rights (CNDH), convened a high-level roundtable on “Challenges and Opportunities for Promotion of Human Rights in the Context of Conflict.”
The meeting brought together national human rights institutions, representatives of the Prosecutor’s Office, justice sector officials, defense and security forces, civil society organizations, international partners, and public entities. The goal was to foster constructive dialogue and identify joint solutions to strengthen Mozambique’s human rights system, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, displaced persons, and people with disabilities.
Speaking at the forum, Ombudsman Isaque Chande emphasized that the protection and promotion of human rights is a “primary responsibility of the State.” He underlined that all public institutions must embrace this duty to foster stability, restore public trust, and consolidate the rule of law. “The state exists because Mozambicans exist. We can never lose sight of this idea of serving. We have a common interest, which is to protect the members of our society,” he said.
CNDH President Albachir Macassar highlighted the importance of using existing legal instruments—such as the Family Law, the Domestic Violence Against Women Act, and the Premature Unions Act—to ensure displaced and vulnerable populations regain dignity and confidence in the State. He praised the coordinated efforts of authorities, defense and security forces, and international partners in pacifying Cabo Delgado.
The roundtable, held under the Promoting Access to Justice Programme—implemented with the Institute for Multiparty Democracy (IMD) and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands—featured two thematic panels. The first addressed collaboration between civil society and justice institutions in promoting rights during conflict, while the second presented findings from the Early Warning System on risks and trends recorded in the first half of the year.
Participants also shared testimonies highlighting the tangible impact of the program on communities, reinforcing hope for a more inclusive, just, and human rights-respecting society in Cabo Delgado.
