Friday, March 09, 2012

Sakala urges financial autonomy of judiciary

Sakala urges financial autonomy of judiciary
By Edwin Mbulo in Livingstone
Fri 09 Mar. 2012, 11:59 CAT

JUSTICE dispensation is not cheap anywhere and that is why we need full financial autonomy, says Chief Justice Ernest Sakala. And UNICEF chief child protection officer Amanda Bissex said courts can be powerful tools for shaping children's lives.

Speaking on Wednesday when he commissioned the Livingstone High Court holding cells and magistrates chambers, justice Sakala (left) said despite being fully autonomous, the judicial system was not financially independent as budgetary allocations were erratic.

"Financial autonomy can only be the resolve to attain and enhance the protection of special rights of children in the criminal justice system. We have attained autonomy but we need financial autonomy; that is why I have repeatedly called on the government to make us financially autonomous," justice Sakala said.

He said judicial employees have continued to operate under hard condition but still worked hard.

"The infrastructure is vexing as most of the buildings were built in pre-independence era and some provincial headquarters do not have High Court buildings, there is need to construct more court infrastructure," he said.

Chief Justice Sakala appealed to the judicial members of staff to remain calm as their concerns were being addressed.

He said the judiciary has resolved to positively contribute to the child justice system which gives effect to a child-friendliness in Zambia.

Justice Sakala appealed to other provincial judicial stakeholders to emulate the Livingstone system which enables separate transportation of children facing criminal prosecution.

And Livingstone High Court judge-in charge Ernest Mukulwamutiyo said while the rights of children in conflict with the law may be catered for at the courts, it remained a big challenge for the police to separate children from adults in police custody and when in transit to and from courts.

He said the court building built in the 1920's had a 3x3-meters holding cell which was demolished upon the Chief Justice's approval to construct a modern facility.

"Two magistrates were sharing one chamber which made it extremely difficult for them to effectively and efficiently discharge their adjudicative functions," said judge Mukulwamutiyo.

And Bissex said a child friendly court was an important component of justice for the children.

"I wish to commend the Livingstone Child Justice Forum and the High
Court for this good initiative of constructing these holding cells and waiting rooms for children. Having such facilities reduces stress for children and helps create a conducive atmosphere for mediation," said Bissex.

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