Story by Fungai Jachi
THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law to advance principles of justice and respect for human rights within Zimbabwe’s legal system.
As part of efforts to improve the justice delivery system, prosecutors are undergoing training on human rights and humanitarian law to ensure the advancement of fair trial rights.
In an interview with ZBC News after the signing of the M.O.U in Harare this Monday, Prosecutor General Justice Loice Matanda Moyo noted how such collaborations will help improve the justice system.
“The capacity building programme aims at ensuring that justice is delivered effectively and equitably while upholding the fundamental right of all individuals, be they accused persons, victims of crime or witnesses,” said Justice Matanda Moyo.
“Prosecutors should understand international best practices when it comes to fair trial rights because their role goes beyond securing convictions as they should ensure that every accused person receives a fair trial.”
Director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Zimbabwe Programme, Mr Mikael Johansson highlighted that prosecutors should understand the importance of upholding human rights in criminal matters.
“The NPA approached us to train prosecutors on how to uphold human rights when handling cases. The goal is for them to understand that everyone is important even accused persons.”
The training programme will be cascaded to all prosecutors countrywide to ensure there is standard prosecution in criminal matters.
