Re Banda

Abstract

Relationship of international law and municipal law — Treaties — Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989 — African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, 1990 — Malawi Adoption of Children Act 1949 — Interpretation — Inter-country adoption — Residency requirement in Section 3(5) of Act — Constitution of Malawi — Malawi’s obligations under Convention and Charter — Whether Court constitutionally obliged to uphold binding international law — Foreign case law — Best interest of child paramount — Whether Malawi law allowing for inter-country adoption — The law of Malawi