A Position Paper on the Effectiveness of the Justice Delivery System in Zimbabwe

Investigates the effectiveness of Zimbabwe's justice delivery system, focusing on women's and girls' access to justice. Argues that laws exist but people are unaware of them and face barriers such as distance to courts, intimidating court environments, and documents written in English and legalese. Examines the roles of the police, legal representation, and the courts.

·      Low legal awareness worsened by the use of English and legal jargon in statutes and court documents.

·      The police are a major obstacle: unfriendly conduct, inadequate transport, and poor handling of GBV cases.

·      A widespread perception of corruption among court and police officials discourages use of formal systems.

·      Legal representation is limited and mostly provided by NGOs and the Legal Aid Directorate.

·      Judges and magistrates rated positively (76% satisfaction), but time limits and process service create barriers.

·      Reform discriminatory formal and informal legal norms and adopt gender-responsive standards.

·      Establish a whistle-blowing system for litigants to report corruption.

·      Make justice institutions accountable and gender-responsive with ongoing training.

·      Fund the Judicial Services Commission to decentralise courts and ensure availability of court forms.

·      Legally empower women and girls (and men and boys) to know and claim their rights.