Windhoek: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for greater efficiency, accessibility, integrity, and accountability across Namibia's justice sector, emphasizing that justice must be experienced in the daily lives of ordinary Namibians.

According to Namibia Press Agency, speaking at the official opening of the first-ever State of Justice conference in Windhoek, Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that Namibia was founded 36 years ago on the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and justice for all. She noted that the Constitution guarantees the dignity of every person, equality before the law, and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, identifying these values as the foundation of the country's justice system.

The conference, convened by the Ministry of Justice and Labour under the theme 'Strengthening Justice in Namibia: Building an Efficient, Accessible and Trusted Justice Sector,' brings together criminal justice institutions, stakeholders, and delegates from Southern African Development Community countries, and is set to conclude on Friday. Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed that the summit should provoke reflection on both justice institutions and the meaning of justice itself.

Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that justice involves fair treatment, protection of rights, and consequences for wrongdoing. "Justice is done when a person is heard, when a right is protected, when a dispute is resolved fairly, and when the law treats the powerful and the powerless alike," she said.

The Head of State mentioned that the conference aligns with Namibia's commitment under NDP6 to ensure equitable access to justice and uphold the rule of law. She also linked the theme to Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for the rule of law, equal access to justice, and effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.

She emphasized the need for effective and efficient service delivery across the justice system, warning that public confidence is affected when any part fails to fulfil its responsibilities. Nandi-Ndaitwah urged institutions to focus on the lived experiences of ordinary Namibians and improve access to justice at the grassroots level.

Furthermore, she stressed that integrity and accountability must remain non-negotiable, reiterating that corruption has no place in Namibia. The president concluded by stating that the conference must produce tangible outcomes.