Staff Reporter
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of Zimbabwe has taken a significant step toward strengthening justice and human rights by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.
This partnership aims to embed human rights principles within Zimbabwe’s legal framework, with a focus on improving fair trial standards and equitable justice delivery.
As part of this collaboration, Zimbabwean prosecutors are now participating in training sessions focused on human rights and humanitarian law. The training aims to deepen their understanding of fair trial rights, ensuring that the justice system protects the rights of all individuals involved whether they are accused persons, victims of crime, or witnesses.
Following the MOU signing in Harare, Prosecutor General Justice Loice Matanda Moyo expressed confidence in the positive impact of this collaboration.
“The capacity-building program aims at ensuring that justice is delivered effectively and equitably, while upholding the fundamental rights of all individuals, be they accused persons, victims of crime, or witnesses,” said Justice Matanda Moyo.
She emphasized that the role of prosecutors should extend beyond merely securing convictions to guaranteeing a fair trial for every accused individual.
“Prosecutors should understand international best practices when it comes to fair trial rights,” she added.
Director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute’s Zimbabwe Programme, Mikael Johansson, underscored the importance of human rights awareness among prosecutors.
“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 program will be rolled out to prosecutors across Zimbabwe to establish a consistent standard in criminal prosecutions nationwide.
“This collaboration comes at a crucial time for Zimbabwe’s justice system, as it strives to balance the need for accountability with the protection of individual rights. The Raoul Wallenberg Institute, an organization renowned for its work in human rights education and legal reform, will bring valuable expertise to this initiative, guiding prosecutors in incorporating best practices into their work,” said Johansson.
By equipping prosecutors with the tools and knowledge to respect human rights in all legal processes, the NPA and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute hope to foster a more just and transparent legal environment in Zimbabwe. This initiative is expected to not only strengthen the credibility of the justice system but also enhance public trust, as citizens can feel assured that justice is both fair and impartial.
Ultimately, the NPA’s partnership with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute marks a commitment to justice reform in Zimbabwe. Through this training and continuous education, the country’s prosecutors will be better positioned to uphold the principles of fairness, respect, and human rights, laying the groundwork for a justice system that serves all its people with integrity.
