DPP Phiri Calls for Alternative Dispute Resolution to Expedite Criminal Case Resolution
Zambia’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gilbert Phiri, has called for the adoption of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms in eligible criminal cases as a means of expediting justice delivery. Speaking during the ceremonial opening of the High Court criminal sessions for Northern Province in Kasama District, Phiri highlighted the urgency of reforming Zambia’s criminal justice system to address systemic inefficiencies, including the overcrowding of correctional facilities.
With over 26,000 inmates housed in just 87 facilities across the country, Zambia’s prisons are severely overcrowded, which Phiri described as a grave violation of human rights according to both national and international standards. “The overcrowding in our prisons is unsustainable and a direct consequence of the inefficiencies in our criminal justice system,” Phiri said, stressing the need for a significant shift in how criminal cases are handled.
Phiri expressed his disappointment with the country’s predominantly retributive justice system, which often prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation. He emphasized the importance of exploring and implementing alternative methods to resolve criminal cases, particularly through ADR mechanisms, which can provide a more timely and less punitive approach.
The DPP also addressed the challenges facing Zambia’s judicial system, such as inadequate staffing, insufficient courtroom infrastructure, and the growing backlog of pre-trial detainees. “This underscores the need for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms,” Phiri remarked, urging legal practitioners to embrace ADR in order to expedite the resolution of eligible cases and reduce the strain on both the court system and correctional facilities.
Justice Matthew Zulu, the High Court Judge for Kasama, echoed Phiri’s calls, emphasizing that ADR is an essential tool to counter delays in justice delivery. “There is a need to maximize the use of legal provisions allowing for non-traditional case disposal methods,” Zulu stated, highlighting ADR as a key element in improving efficiency in Zambia’s criminal justice system.
The ceremonial event was held under the theme “Exploring and Imploring Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Criminal Cases as a Tool to Counter Delays in the Delivery of Justice.” It was attended by several prominent figures, including Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao and His Royal Highness Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II. These stakeholders are committed to exploring ways to enhance Zambia’s legal and judicial systems for the benefit of all citizens.
The DPP’s remarks underline the growing recognition of ADR’s potential to improve access to justice, particularly in a country where overcrowded prisons and delayed court proceedings have become major barriers to fair and timely justice.
Keywords: Zambia, Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP Gilbert Phiri, alternative dispute resolution, ADR, criminal justice, overcrowded prisons, justice system reform, Kasama District, High Court sessions, Northern Province, justice delays, Zambian prisons, legal reform, judicial system, justice delivery.
, Gilbert Phiri, has called for the adoption of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms in eligible criminal cases as a means of expediting justice delivery. Speaking during the ceremonial opening of the High Court criminal sessions for Northern Province in Kasama District, Phiri highlighted the urgency of reforming Zambia’s criminal justice system to address systemic inefficiencies, including the overcrowding of correctional facilities.){kind=link}