The Namibian legal system has changed for the better when compared to before independence.

This was mainly as a result of the Namibian Constitution, the ultimate authority, which turned 34 years old on February 9.

The laws of the past made provision for some unspeakable acts to exist.

Some such included the prohibition of interracial relations and the movement and settlement of blacks in areas designated as for 'whites only'

Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab says Namibia's commitment to human rights is anchored on the principles of the rule of law, justice, and human dignity.

Dausab shared this at the 6th Annual Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Summit underway in Windhoek.

Namibia's policy framework strongly cements press freedom and political activity and creates a conducive environment for civil society to engage robustly with the government.

In a recent session of the National Assembly, the Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab, took the floor to clarify the role of the Ministry of Justice and address concerns raised by PDM MP Hidipo Hamata.

The Minister emphasised that the Ministry of Justice does not have authority over prosecutorial decisions, as this falls under the purview of the Prosecutor General, an independent constitutional office. Yvonne Dausab explained that the Ministry of Justice's responsibility is purely administrative, including budgeting and providing support to the Prosecutor General's office. 

The Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab, says the ministry has made progress with regards to draft legislation on a National Sex Offenders' Register.

Dausab is hopeful that the existence of such a register could deter would-be sexual offenders.

Two years ago, President Hage Geingob promised during his State of the Nation Address that the government would enact a National Sex Offenders Register and a Child Justice Bill within twelve months.

The Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab, says the rising number of accusations of child rape reported to the police involving family members is disturbing.

"Sexual offences against persons with disabilities are very disturbing, and I really want families and society to start focusing on how we can deal with this and what kind of conversation we should have to change the negative paradigm that we have around the rising cases of sexual offences against children in our country."

The Justice Minister, Yvonne Dausab, has addressed concerns around the operationalisation of the Whistleblower Protection Act and the Witness Protection Act in the National Assembly. 

"The importance of these two pieces of legislation in the fight against corruption in all its forms cannot be underestimated. In a world where corruption persists as a global challenge, these laws stand as beacons of hope, reflecting our unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in Namibia."

Namibia will be able to extradite individuals at the request of another state, even if their conviction was obtained in their absence.

This is, however, subject to the successful passage of the Extradition Amendment Bill.

The proposed amendment, as advocated for by the Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab, aims to address certain provisions in the existing Extradition Act and improve international cooperation on extradition matters.

The matter in which Friedel Dausab has dragged the Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab, to court seeking High Court intervention to nullify and declare the offence of sodomy unconstitutional is set to continue before the High Court next month.

Dausab approached the court further seeking that the offence of unnatural sexual offences, including the crime of sodomy, in Schedule 1 of the Criminal Procedure Act be declared unconstitutional and invalid. 

Attorney General Festus Mbandeka has indicated that he will defend the state.

The Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab, delivered a keynote address at the Pan-African Parliament, emphasizing the role of civil society in promoting democracy, human rights, peace, and security within the African Union.

Drawing attention to the historical context, Dausab highlighted the long-standing issues of exclusion and marginalization faced by Africans.

The Minister of Justice has urged Namibians to register their work, including trademarks, patents and copyrights - to protect these from counterfeits.

Yvonne Dausab made this call during a three-day meeting of the Judges Colloquium on Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Africa at Swakopmund. 

Cases of counterfeit goods flooding the market and resulting in losses for those dealing in authentic brands is not a new phenomenon.