Zanzibar gets child-friendly court

Written by YUSSUF in Zanzibar

PARENTS and children rights activists will be happy to learn that Zanzibar has got its first ever child-friendly court that was officially launched on Tuesday, thanks to Save the Children International.

Mr Mubarak Maman, Zanzibar representative of Save the Children said the project cost between Shs30m/- and Shs40m/- and covers the purchase of video conferencing equipment to enable children and other vulnerable witnesses testify outside the courtroom.

Maman says, “This is a big step forward in our ability to support children and other vulnerable witnesses who are required to testify in court on cases related to child abuse. I am pleased that Save the Children is helping to introduce friendly environment in courts for children.”

He said that for children to be in the same room as the accused can be very intimidating, now children will be able to participate in the justice process by testifying outside of the courtroom. Zanzibar Chief Justice Mr Omar Othman Makungu thanked the Save the Children and said,

“It is a milestone in implementing our ambition to establish juvenile courts on the Isles. Courts of laws are also up for review to provide justice to vulnerable children.” The hand over was held at the High Court in Stone Town.

Source: Daily News (06/02/2013): http://www.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/local-news/14392-zanzibar-gets-child-friendly-court