UN Joint Programme on Gender Based Violence
First ever GBV Fast Track Court launched in Zambia
The Government of the Republic of Zambia in partnership with the UN Joint Programme on Gender Based Violence has launched a first ever user friendly fast track court for Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases
22 January 2016
KABWE - The purpose of the fast track courts is to ensure that cases of GBV are presided over in an expedited manner. Officiating at the launch in Kabwe town on Friday 22nd January 2016, Chief Justice Ms Irene Mambilima said the fast track court would mitigate challenges and injustices experienced by victims of GBV.
Ms Mambilima reiterated the importance of the rule of law and access to justice as prerequisites in the fight against GBV and the need to uphold them as corner stones of the judicial system.
"When it comes to gender-based violence, particularly in cases to do with a child or a woman, Zambia is at liberty to protect its citizens against GBV. However, the judicial system alone is not enough and concerted efforts from stakeholders are needed," she said.
Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) resident coordinator, Ms Janet Rogan expressed concern at the high cases of GBV and sexual crimes in Zambia. She said the launch of the first ever GBV fast-track court in the southern Africa region was a key milestone to mitigate the impact of GBV on society.
According to the Zambia Police report, in the third quarter of 2015, a total of 4,951 GBV cases were reported countrywide in three months. 57 cases of rape were recorded of which 20 happened in a single month, 15 attempted rape cases and 14 cases of incest.
The first court was launched in Kabwe, Central Province and it is expected that subsequent courts will be launched in other provices across the country. ILO National Programme Coordinator for the UN Joint Programme on Gender Based Violence Ms Elizabeth Simonda revealed that the next earmarked court is scheduled to be opened in Lusaka in March 2016.
The fast-track courts are equipped to be user and child friendly with improved technology to make processing of documents quicker. Over 30 investigators, prosecutors and magistrates underwent training prior to the launch of the first court.
Ms Mambilima reiterated the importance of the rule of law and access to justice as prerequisites in the fight against GBV and the need to uphold them as corner stones of the judicial system.
"When it comes to gender-based violence, particularly in cases to do with a child or a woman, Zambia is at liberty to protect its citizens against GBV. However, the judicial system alone is not enough and concerted efforts from stakeholders are needed," she said.
Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) resident coordinator, Ms Janet Rogan expressed concern at the high cases of GBV and sexual crimes in Zambia. She said the launch of the first ever GBV fast-track court in the southern Africa region was a key milestone to mitigate the impact of GBV on society.
According to the Zambia Police report, in the third quarter of 2015, a total of 4,951 GBV cases were reported countrywide in three months. 57 cases of rape were recorded of which 20 happened in a single month, 15 attempted rape cases and 14 cases of incest.
The first court was launched in Kabwe, Central Province and it is expected that subsequent courts will be launched in other provices across the country. ILO National Programme Coordinator for the UN Joint Programme on Gender Based Violence Ms Elizabeth Simonda revealed that the next earmarked court is scheduled to be opened in Lusaka in March 2016.
The fast-track courts are equipped to be user and child friendly with improved technology to make processing of documents quicker. Over 30 investigators, prosecutors and magistrates underwent training prior to the launch of the first court.