By Lovemore Chazingwa
Issues to do with efficient and effective justice delivery system can be strengthened in the wake of a policy dialogue convened for policymakers within the ambit of the Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS), convened at Kadoma Hotel and Conference Center, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Virginia Mabhiza has said.
The Permanent Secretary said this in her official opening remarks at the JLOS policy dialogue yesterday.
The policy dialogue was a successor to the Technical Committee meeting which was held from 16 to 18. Policymakers who attended the dialogue include Honourable Joshua Malinga, ZHRC Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Sithole, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Mr. Aaron Nhepera, Director for Strategic Policy Planning and Legal Research in the Ministry of Justice Advocate Tapiwa Godzi.
Said Mabhiza: “The meeting gives us the opportunity to highlight the achievements of the JLOS and existing barriers to the implementation of justice delivery to all in Zimbabwe especially the vulnerable communities.
“It is crucial for us to understand that the JLOS emphasises interventions aimed at addressing the supply side of justice by enhancing the presence of institutions and strengthening to improve on service delivery.
“This mechanism has since gained recognition as a platform to deliberate and coordinate justice delivery efforts of different actors with promoting access to justice and strengthening justice delivery.
“The steering committee last met in 2016. It has become necessary to meet again to give policy direction to the JLOS for the proper implementation of action projects and programs in that we justice sector.
“The policy dialogue is part and parcel of the policy and decision-making process of the JLOS. It contributes to the development of JLOS policies and inspires enhanced implementation of such policy. The dialogue is also crucial as it avails an opportunity for us to policymakers to align policy to international human rights, the Constitution, the laws and prescriptions in the Transitional Stabilization Program (TSP) economic blueprint especially the governance pillar.”
The Ministry of Justice is the implementing partner while UNDP is the funders. Other partners from state and non-state players are also involved in the JLOS.