Lusaka | April 23, 2026 – “This Office does not withdraw child sexual violence cases. Not ever.” Those words from the learned Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, S.C., set the tone as the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kids Alive International, a partnership designed to translate legal principle into practical protection for child victims of sexual violence.
The signing ceremony, held at Cresta Mkango Hotel in Lusaka, brought together a wide cross‑section of stakeholders committed to child welfare. Among those present was Hon. Lady Justice Sharon Kaunda Newa (now appointed to the Court of Appeal), whose deep involvement in child justice and GBV training emphasises the judiciary’s commitment to child‑sensitive legal processes. Also in attendance were senior NPA management, officials from the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, and other key partners.
The MOU was signed on behalf of the NPA by the learned DPP, and on behalf of Kids Alive Zambia by its Country Director, Mr. Bestone Banda.
The DPP outlined the grim reality that thousands of defilement, incest, indecent assault, child marriage, and online exploitation cases are reported annually, with many more hidden due to stigma and fear. He also noted the growing use of digital platforms by offenders to groom and exploit children, creating new challenges for investigation and prosecution.
Children continue to face significant barriers to justice, including weak reporting systems, intimidating court environments, and a severe lack of psychosocial support services.
DPP Phiri reiterated the NPA’s zero‑tolerance policy, reminding the audience that his office does not, under any circumstances, allow the withdrawal of cases involving child sexual violence.
He highlighted existing NPA reforms among which are specialised handling of child‑related cases, prosecutorial guidelines on gender‑based violence, witness liaison officers, and ICT‑enabled court processes, including remote evidence centres in Lusaka, Ndola, and Kitwe, designed to reduce trauma for testifying children.
Under the new agreement, the NPA and Kids Alive International will jointly strengthen prosecution capacity through specialised training for prosecutors and child welfare professionals. They will also enhance psychosocial support for child victim, including counselling, therapy, and rehabilitation, before, during, and after trial. Child-friendly spaces will be established within selected NPA offices, allowing children to give evidence safely. The partnership further aims to improve structured referrals and information sharing between legal and social service providers, while supporting capacity building for police, judicial officers, and healthcare workers.
The DPP emphasised that justice must go beyond conviction. “It must restore, protect, and empower,” he said.
Ms. Rachel Davidson, Chief Operations Officer of Kids Alive International, described the partnership as a major step forward. She noted that Zambia’s approach, integrating legal redress with structured care and recovery services, is emerging as a leading model in Africa. “When justice systems are combined with compassionate care, children are more likely to heal, regain dignity, and rebuild confidence in their future,” Ms. Davidson said.
Drawing on international experience, she added: “When systems work together, legal, social, and therapeutic, the outcomes are stronger, more sustainable, and more just. In Guatemala, collaboration raised conviction rates from 3% to over 70%. We believe Zambia can achieve the same transformation.”
Ms. Davidson confirmed Kids Alive International’s commitment to helping children move from trauma to triumph through prevention, intervention, and restoration programmes tailored to individual needs.
The MOU does not create legally binding obligations but reflects a professional and moral commitment grounded in the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022. Both parties have committed to regular joint monitoring, information sharing, and quarterly reviews.
The learned DPP concluded with a call to all justice sector actors: “Safeguarding children requires a coordinated, child‑centred response. No single agency can do it alone.”
The agreement takes immediate effect, with joint training sessions and pilot child‑friendly spaces scheduled for the coming months. #FromTraumaToTriumph || #ChildProtection || #NPAZambia || #KidsAlive #JusticeForChildren #Zambia