The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP)
This is an arm of the Social services Directorate mandated to deal with issues relating to promotion of justice and peace.Its efforts center on upholding human dignity through institutionalizing principles of democracy, respect for human rights and freedoms, citizen participation, good governance, rule of law, and promoting access to quality public services.
Purpose
Goal
Mission
CCJP is currently implementing the following projects:
Donor: Non Funded
Impact Area: Nsanje, Chikwawa, parts of Thyolo and Blantyre
Project Overview: This non-funded initiative remains vital to CCJP’s mission, ensuring access to legal aid and advocacy for the poor and marginalized. Through paralegal services, CCJP upholds the Church’s commitment to justice, dignity, and human rights, assisting those who face legal and social injustices. Despite the absence of funding, this service validates the existence of CCJP in the Diocese and continues to support vulnerable communities in seeking justice. Project Duration: Ongoing
Project Duration: On going
Donor: National Democratic Institute
Impact Area: Nsanje, Chikwawa, parts of Thyolo and Blantyre
Project Overview: Chisankho Watch (CW) is a coalition of four organizations namely: Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), Gender and Justice Unit (CJU), the Meeting Hub (mHub) and Public Affairs Committee (PAC). This coalition is dedicated to monitoring and enhancing the electoral process in the lead up to the 2025 general elections and thereafter. The aim of the coalition is to ensure a credible and transparent electoral process with technical and financial support from the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Project Duration: Ongoing
Project Duration: On going
Donor: UNDP
Impact Area: Nsanje, Chikwawa, parts of Thyolo and Blantyre
Project Overview: This initiative promotes women’s active engagement in the 2025 General Elections through civic education and awareness programs. By empowering women with knowledge about their rights and the electoral process, the project fosters inclusive and democratic participation. Key Objectives: Increase civic knowledge among women. Empower women to participate in elections and decision-making. Foster an inclusive and diverse political environment. Project Duration: Ongoing
Project Duration: On going
Donor: It is being funded by the World Bank through the Malawi government
Impact Area: It covers the Following TAs of Chikwawa: TA Kasisi, TA Mlilima, TA Ndakwera, TA Maseya, and TA Lundu
The project seeks to establish and strengthen mechanisms through which people can prevent, report, and mitigate cases of GBV especially those that relate to the Shire Valley Transformation Program (SVTP). The project strives to reduce the risks of GBV that may arise from the multi-billion kwacha SVTP—which has brought forth labor influx and boosted economic activities in surrounding communities. Implementation Areas: The project is being implemented in the following Traditional Authorities: TA Kasisi, TA Mlilima, TA Ndakwera, TA Maseya and TA Lundu in Chikwawa District. Project Duration and phases The project runs for 4 years. It is being implemented in the phases below: First Phase: May 2020 – May 2022 Second Phase: April 2024 – April 2026
Project Duration: May 2020 - May 2022
Featured News
Mon
18
May 2026
His Lordship Peter Musikuwa, Bishop of the Diocese of Chikwawa has condemned in strong terms recent actions of mob justice that has left 8 people dead and a number wounded, having allegedly been accused of being the cause for some people’s private parts missing. The Bishop expressed his sentiments during the 60th commemoration of World day for Communications, on Sunday 17th May 2026, at Our Lady of Fatima parish in Nsanje. In recent days, communities in the lower Shire districts of Nsanje and Chikwawa have lived in fear after some people allegedly claimed that their private parts were missing. This resulted in the killing of the suspects without proper proof of the claims. It is widely believed that these claims are baseless, false, and medical experts who managed to examine the claimants have not found any validation of the claims. Therefore, the Bishop expressed shock and said that the continued attacks on innocent people are unlawful, inhumane, and a serious violation of human rights and the rule of law. Celebrated under the theme “Preserving human voices and faces”, this year’s commemoration is a call and reminder to the world to use digital platforms and the Artificial intelligence responsibly to avoid misinforming the public. The misuse of these platforms also destroys the dignity of the human person.
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Tue
12
May 2026
Bishop Peter Musikuwa has urged members of the clergy who are holding different offices to reflect the light of Christ in their work. The remarks have been made at the Bishop’s house conference room on 12th May 2026, when he invited chaplains and directors of different apostolates and institutions for a meeting. The meeting has been organized for the members to appreciate the Church’s expectation of every office bearer, and give them opportunity to share their experiences in their responsibilities. In his speech that marked the opening of the meeting, the bishop called on members to remember that they are only doing the work on behalf of the Church and Christ. He therefore called on priests to live lives that reflect the light of Christ, as a sign of obedience to his commands. “Make sure to uphold ethical standards as you discharge your duties, acknowledging that any unethical way of carrying out the duties seriously tarnishes the image of both the church and the minister.” He said. The meeting has drawn together office bearers from the around the Diocese. The meeting will run for a day.
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Tue
12
May 2026
Bishop Peter Martin Musikuwa of the Diocese of Chikwawa has urged young people to desist from resorting to mob justice as a way of seeking redress. The Bishop made the remarks at Ngabu on Monday 11th May 2026during the funeral of Mr. Alan Mashonga. Speaking after the mass, the Bishop was reacting to news that is viral recently that people are being accused, and killed for being suspects in the alleged mysterious missing of males’ private parts. “I urge all young people, because from the look of things it is young people that are in the forefront of pelting punishment of people suspected to have had a hand in the missing of men’s private parts. Let us all seek redress from relevant authorities.” Said Musikuwa. Earlier at the same function, senior group village head Misongwe, lamented the impact of recent events relating to mob justice in the Lower Shire valley. “These rumors and our subsequent actions seeking to address the challenges are tarnishing the good image that our region has always had.” He said. Recently, society has been fed with rumors that some men are removing other men’s private parts in Nsanje and Chikwawa districts. This has led to civilians resorting to killing suspects without following the right channels. As it stands, 43 people have been arrested and are currently being held on remand at Chichiri Prison all answering charges of murder. Ironically, those that claimed that they had their private parts removed, have not suffered such. Civil Society Organizations in lower shire will soon roll out a sensitization campaign on the same. Meanwhile, there is calm in the region especially hot spots as heavy police presence is the order of the day.
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Tue
5
May 2026
Bishop Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa Diocese on Sunday presided over the enrollment of 20 new members into the Young Christian Workers (YCW) movement, using the occasion to challenge Catholic youths to reject destructive habits and become models of leadership. In his homily, Bishop Musikuwa expressed concern over rising crime and substance abuse among Malawi’s youth, who make up the majority of the population. “It is worrisome to see so many young people indulging in unruly behaviors such as excessive beer drinking, which renders them unproductive,” he said. He urged young Catholics to join youth movements like YCW, where they can interact with peers, develop leadership skills, and grow in faith. “The time you are spending here is precious,” the Bishop told the new members. “Right now, some of your friends are weak from drinking all weekend. But you have set yourselves apart. I want to see youth in all parishes join these movements or other Church groups.” Echoing the Bishop, Diocesan YCW President Andrew Tembo called on members to live out the Church’s teachings through both spiritual and social action. He emphasized the YCW method of _See, Judge, Act_ as a tool to respond to community needs. “Newly enrolled members must not stop here,” Tembo said. “Make the movement attractive to others and spread the Gospel through your actions, following the example of St. Joseph the Worker.” YCW commemorates its feast day annually on May 1. Chikwawa Diocese marked the occasion with charity work at St. Martin Hospital, where members donated assorted items to patients and guardians. The celebration culminated Sunday with the enrollment of 20 new members: 11 from Molere Parish, 3 from Nkhate Parish, 2 each from Chikwawa, Nchalo, and Fatima parishes.
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