State to build reformatory schools – Simbyakula

Government says it plans to construct more reformatory schools for children who come in conflict with the law.

 

Minister of Home Affairs Ngosa Simbyakula said there was need to improve infrastructure and conditions for children who were incarcerated.

 

Dr Simbiakula said government is committed to ensuring that children’s needs in prison are improved in line with the United Nations requirements on the rights of children.

 

ZANIS reports that the Minister said this during the Advocacy for Child Justice (ACJ) national symposium in Lusaka today.

 

Mr Simbiakula called on the delegates to come up with proposals that could help strengthen child justice system in Zambia.

 

He noted that child justice was a national matter that needed concerted efforts from various stakeholders.

 

Dr Simbyakula assured the delegates that government is committed to supporting the implementation and use of child friendly court system in Zambia.

 

And ACJ Board Chairperson Violet Namukwai said there was need for children found in conflict with the law to be treated as child offenders and not criminals.

 

Ms Namukwai said child offenders are not criminals and have a great chance to reform compared to adult criminals..