NDP6 to prioritise security, legal reform and access to justice

The Safety and Security cluster in the Sixth National Development Plan ( NDP6 ) will prioritise security , legal reform , access to justice , and international cooperation to tackle cross – border and global challenges . Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Justice , Dr John Shimaneni announced the cluster ‘ s focus on reducing legal costs , addressing organised crime , and reforming correctional services . He described the changes as beneficial for both security and civil sectors in the coming years . He was speaking to the media at Swakopmund on Friday after the conclusion of a 5 – day long workshop focused on the finalisation of the NDP6 Chapter write – up specifically in the area of Peace , Security and the Rule of Law . The workshop was attended by members of the Namibian Defence Force ( NDF ), Namibian Police Force ( NamPol ) and Namibian Correctional Service among others . Shimaneni highlighted the success of NDP5 , which included the modernisation of NDF equipment , the use of technology in op
erations , and joint efforts such as the ‘ Silencing the Guns ‘ initiative , encouraging the surrender of illegal firearms . ‘ These initiatives have contributed to improving security within the country ,’ he said . On the civil side , Shimaneni praised the Ministry of Justice for addressing a backlog of cases through the introduction of case management systems , which have improved efficiency in the justice system . However , he pointed out several ongoing challenges from NDP5 , particularly the high cost of legal representation . ‘ The ministry is now focusing on addressing this by amending the Legal Aid Act to incorporate pro bono services from lawyers , aiming to reduce legal costs for citizens ,’ Shimaneni explained . He also addressed refugee management , particularly the increasing cross – border movement between Namibia and Angola , which has raised the need for more gazetted border posts . ‘ Statelessness and the management of undocumented persons is another challenge and although there is a Bill in
place , a law is still required to regulate these issues , making it a priority for NDP6 ,’ he expressed . Shimaneni further spoke on reforms in Namibia ‘ s correctional services , explaining that budget constraints have limited the scope of these changes . He said there is a plan to shift from traditional prison systems to rehabilitative correctional services , aiming to ensure that individuals leaving correctional facilities are well – prepared to reintegrate into society as productive citizens .

Source: The Namibia Press Agency