Today, on the eve of International Womens’ day, the National Prosecution Authority launched its first ever Handbook for Prosecutors on the Management of Gender Based Violence cases in Zambia. Speaking at the launch, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Gilbert Phiri, SC stated that Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a cancer that needs to be stamped out in order to create a safe and equitable society where women and girls can thrive. Mr Phiri further stated that as the gatekeeper of the criminal justice system, the NPA has the duty to ensure that victims of GBV access timely and victim centred prosecution services which safeguard their wellbeing whilst upholding their dignity and privacy.
The Handbook, is a practical resource tool which will guide prosecutors to ably present cases before the courts of law in a professional and standardised manner whilst observing international best practices. The DPP highlighted that it is important for the criminal justice sector to robustly respond to this vice in order to bolster victims’ confidence in the system and to hold perpetrators accountable. In line with the Womens’ Day theme: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, the development of the Handbook is an investment in women and girls as they disproportionately bear the brunt of GBV.
The DPP thanked the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the support rendered in the development of the Handbook. The DPP went on to thank the United Nations Country Team on the continued support and collaboration in the fight against GBV.
The DPP promised his unwavering support as head of the NPA to ensure that the scourge that is GBV is eradicated in Zambia.