The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has poured in $14 million for strengthening capacities of the countrys justice delivery institutions over the next four years.
Justice and Legal Affairs deputy minister Obert Gutu said the programme would change the face of the justice delivery system as it would see justice being delivered to everyone including the under-privilleged.
He said the UN agency had so far provided $3,1 million towards the programme.
If I go to Dotito, the villagers should know their rights. If laws are not known by the people, even if it is good, it becomes a bad law, Gutu said.
At least 80% of the countrys population cant access legal representation because lawyers are beyond their reach. We want a fair system for all and come 2015, because of this project, Zimbabwe will not be the same again.
UNDP said in a statement: The programme will contribute to the national effort to uphold the rule of law by strengthening the capacities of the concerned institutions to discharge their mandate in an efficient, transparent and accountable manner that will enhance equal access of justice to all.
The financial boost comes when the countrys justice system is emerging out of the woods after experiencing a severe battering induced by a decade-long economic meltdown.
The UNDP noted that prosecution had suffered during the difficult circumstances in Zimbabwe leaving the Attorney-Generals Office with poor infrastructure and inadequate staff.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Unsatisfactory conditions of service have also led to the rise in corruption. Support will thus have a thrust to restore judicial integrity and stamp out corruption through training, codes of ethics and supporting efforts for reforms of conditions of service.
In the same context of accessing justice, the programme will support efforts to increase awareness of essential human rights and dignity of accused persons in the penal justice system. Comment on this story: [email protected]
