Minister of Justice Princess Kasune says there is need to safeguard justice for all as it is not only governments desire but also entails good governance.
Ms Kasune notes that corruption cannot be tackled by the government alone as there is a need to partner with stakeholders such as Civil Society Organisations (CSO) that will create awareness among the general public.
She explained that access to justice especially for the vulnerable groups is vital to the government adding that it is a major good governance environment pillar under the country’s Eighth National Development Plan.
ZANIS reports that the Minister said this today, when she officiated at the 2024 GIZ, European Union (EU) supported, enabling access to justice, civil society participation, and transparency (EnACT) expo.
Ms Kasune stated that the government will continue to uphold an open door policy when working with all key cooperating partners in promoting good governance in the country.
The European Union Head of Governance and Social Sector, Bogdan Stefanesou said his organisation works through a team Europe approach with its member state Germany, to leverage its funding of over 26 Million Euros.
He said its support to civil society in Zambia has been demonstrated over the years through funded programmes such as the ENACT programme noting that the programme works to enhance policy reform as well as ensures that state actions are transparent in addition to providing legal aid to the most vulnerable in society.
Meanwhile, the German Embassy Head of Cooperation, Bernhard Trautner emphasised the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation saying that the German government is committed to strengthening civil society as well as promoting their participation in government decision making process.
Mr Trautner noted that the EnACT programme expresses the principle of collaboration such as through the legal desk at correctional facilities, adding that subordinate courts could not operate if they were not supported by the Zambian government institutions.
Earlier, in his welcoming remarks, GIZ Country Director, Axel Ulmer thanked the Zambian government for the trust as well as good cooperation that has been exhibited noting that every democratic rights-based country needs interventions as provided by EnACT as it strengthens the backbone of any society.
