LUSAKA – Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening a people-centred justice system that prioritises the protection of vulnerable citizens, with a renewed focus on reducing delays in the justice process and improving access to legal services.
Speaking during the official opening of the 2026 Communication, Coordination and Cooperation Initiative (CCCI) Cluster Meeting, Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary (Administration) Isabelle Lemba said delays in the justice system often result in secondary trauma for victims, particularly children and other vulnerable groups.
Mrs. Lemba stressed that cases involving children and juveniles require special attention to ensure they are handled with urgency, sensitivity and efficiency.
"Government remains committed to supporting every effort that brings justice closer to the vulnerable by ensuring that policies and laws work for the people," she said.
She urged all institutions within the justice sector to strengthen coordination and execute their responsibilities promptly to reduce case backlogs and improve service delivery.
"All stakeholders in the justice chain must execute their duties promptly to avoid case backlogs, delays and secondary trauma to victims," she said.
Mrs. Lemba said recent legal reforms, including the Children's Code Act, the Criminal Procedure Act of 2022, and the recently approved National Legal Aid Policy, demonstrate the Government's commitment to building a justice system that is accessible and responsive to the needs of citizens.
She added that the CCCI meeting was not only intended to improve technical coordination among justice institutions but also to strengthen collective efforts to safeguard the rights of vulnerable people.
According to Mrs. Lemba, the CCCI framework continues to play an important role in improving communication, coordination and cooperation among institutions responsible for handling cases involving vulnerable witnesses and children in conflict with the law.
She further noted that Zambia's growing population has increased pressure on legal aid services, making stronger collaboration among justice sector stakeholders essential to expanding access to justice across the country.
The meeting brought together stakeholders from Central, Copperbelt, Lusaka and Luapula provinces, including representatives from the police, prosecution authorities, the judiciary, social welfare departments and civil society organisations to improve case management from reporting through to resolution.
The Communication, Coordination and Cooperation Initiative (CCCI) was established to strengthen collaboration among justice sector institutions dealing with vulnerable witnesses and children in conflict with the law.
Source: Kalemba News (By Sanfrossa Mberi)