SESSION Judge at the Mansa High Court, Lady Justice Bubile Shonga, has disclosed that provisions that impede Child Justice delivery will be revisited and amended.

Speaking during the Ceremonial Opening of the Mansa High Court Criminal Sessions in Mansa district recently, Lady Justice Shonga, who is the Judge of the High Court -Commercial Division, noted that the Judiciary remained hopeful that resources would be provided to fully implement the progressive legislation, such as the construction of the high court building.

“The Children’s Code Act 12 of 2022 prescribes child-friendly courtrooms, video link testimony and protective facilities, none of which are currently available at the Mansa High Court,” she said.

Lady Justice Shonga observed that Mansa district still awaits the construction of a dedicated high court building, despite a plot having already been secured for that purpose.

“The benefits from operating from our own premises will be immense, cascading down to the subordinate courts which currently share their space with the high court,” she said.

Lady Justice Shonga stated that while the Mansa High Court takes pride in its success in delivering criminal justice efficiently, it acknowledges that these achievements are made possible by timely and sustained government funding.

“This support demonstrates government’s support for ensuring access to justice for all. However, funding alone is not sufficient. Timely and quality delivery of justice also depends on adequate infrastructure,” she said.

Lady Justice Shonga further noted that tangible progress has been made through the construction of the Gender-Based Violence Fast Track Court funded by the government in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“This has brought the agency, however, to focus on Gender-Based Violence cases. On behalf of the Judiciary in Luapula province, I express our profound gratitude for this development,” she said.