Advocacy

UP Zambia believes in sustainable and long term improvement in the justice system so it is fairer to children and provides them their fundamental right to be advised, represented and defended.

We understand the value of effectively communicating with our local communities, the judiciary, policy makers, and key stakeholders to instigate change.

We have conducted engagement meetings with a diverse range of stakeholders, including retailers where a lot of child arrests are made and key entities such as the Zambia Police Service, Zambia Correctional Service, the Judiciary, Child Justice Forums, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), National Prosecution Authority (NPA), Social Welfare, and various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The focus of these meetings is to discuss best practices in assisting children in conflict with the law, shedding light on the recently enacted Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022 and its implications on children in conflict with the law.

We also testify before parliament and participate in validation meetings for justice related legislation.

Police

We hold engagement meetings with Zambia Police Service personnel in the Copperbelt, Lusaka and Central Province. The emphasis is on prioritising the best interests of the child and providing insights into the practical implementation of the new Children’s Code Act in their daily activities when dealing with children who come in conflict with the law.

Judiciary

During the deliberations of the parliamentary committee concerning the Children’s Code bill before it was enacted as the Children’s Code Act No 12 of 2022 , UP Zambia participated in the law reform by making submissions on the proposed law.

UP Zambia is also part of the Child Justice Forum (CJF), a consortium of Civil Society Organizations, the Judiciary and government agencies that has been in existence for 3 years. CJF spearheads a child-friendly justice system for children who come in conflict with the law. Through collaborative efforts of stakeholders and the effective implementation of the Children’s Code Act No 12 of 2022, stakeholders are resolute in creating a justice system that adheres to prescribed international standards and secures the well-being of children.

Retailers

We identify potential risks of child abuse and violations of children’s rights within the Retail sector in particular policies to prosecute whoever is caught stealing. Engaging with retailers, we highlighted the provisions of the Children’s Code Act, emphasising the objective of safeguarding the welfare of the child while holding them accountable for their actions.

Media

In collaboration with the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Zambia), UP Zambia organises training for journalists in Zambia on best reporting practices for children in conflict with the law. Media houses that have received this training include Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), News Diggers, Power FM, Radio Phoenix FM, Radio Christian Voice, Millenium Radio, Daily Nation, Zambia Daily Mail, 5FM, Crown TV, Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), Prime TV, and Mwebantu.

Additionally, UP Zambia actively features on radio programs on local stations, to raise awareness about the rights of children detained by law enforcement and help reduce the stigma and barriers to their successful reintegration into society.

Community and School Sensitization

We have been conducting crime prevention awareness programs in schools located in Lusaka and the Copperbelt province. Additionally, programs have been facilitated at Katombora Reformatory School and Nakambala Approved School, focusing on creating awareness.

The crime prevention program is tailored to be child and family-friendly, addressing crucial topics such as substance abuse, various types of crimes, the consequences faced by children when they come in conflict with the law, and the broader societal effects. These awareness programs serve as a platform for both the public and pupils to actively engage with UP Zambia and to raise awareness about key issues involving child crime and justice.