A HISTORIC STEP FOR JUSTICE IN ZAMBIA: CHAMPIONING ADR IN CRIMINAL CASES!
The Judiciary of Zambia yesterday officially opened the 2025 Criminal Session of the High Court under the theme:
“Exploring and Employing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms in Criminal Cases as a Tool to Counter Delays in the Delivery of Justice.”
The Chief Justice of Zambia, Justice Dr. Mumba Malila, SC, emphasized ADR’s transformative potential in his address stating:
“Criminal justice often leaves victims yearning for closure and offenders without meaningful reintegration. ADR bridges these gaps by fostering dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation, humanizing justice for all those impacted.”
He urged leaders in the criminal justice system to champion responsible ADR practices, legislative reforms, and capacity-building initiatives to address case backlogs and delays.
🌍The Guest of Honour, Hon. Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, Chief Justice of Uganda and Chairperson of the African Chief Justices’ ADR Forum, commended Zambia’s alignment with the Forum’s values. He highlighted ADR as a tool that balances fairness and efficiency, sharing Uganda’s success with restorative justice practices rooted in African traditions of communal solidarity and reconciliation.
🤝 In a historic gesture, the Chief Justices of Zambia and Uganda paid a courtesy call on His Excellency, the Republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, a staunch champion of ADR. The President pledged his unwavering support for the Judiciary’s efforts to integrate ADR into the criminal justice system.
🚀 Some Advantages of ADR:
· Tackles delays and case backlogs in criminal courts.
· Encourages offender accountability and victim closure.
· Saves time and costs while fostering reconciliation and social harmony.
💬 The Judiciary of Zambia calls for a cultural shift, legislative reforms, and capacity-building to fully integrate ADR into the criminal justice system, ensuring fairness, efficiency, and a humanized approach to justice.
👏 Together, let’s champion a justice system that prioritizes healing and reconciliation.
#JudiciaryZambia #JusticeReforms #ADRinJustice #RestorativeJustice #Zambia2025
