New agreement between the National Prosecution Authority and Kids Alive integrates legal action with therapy and care, setting a new model for protecting children across Africa
LUSAKA, Zambia (April 23, 2026) — In a milestone moment for child protection in Zambia, the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and Kids Alive Zambia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen how cases involving children are handled, ensuring that justice is pursued alongside care, dignity, and long-term restoration in one of the world’s youngest nations.
This partnership establishes a coordinated approach that brings together legal representation, psychological support, and social services for children navigating the justice system.
While collaborations addressing child protection exist globally, this level of formal integration between a national prosecution authority and an organisation that provides both legal and psychosocial support at the case level is rare and is believed to be among the first of its kind in Africa.
A CRITICAL MOMENT FOR ZAMBIA'S CHILDREN
Zambia is one of the youngest countries in the world, with more than half its population under the age of 18. Yet many children face significant barriers to safety and justice:
- In 2025, the NPA recorded 1906 child victims and witnesses, the majority of whom were victims of sexual violence.
- 1 in 3 females has experienced sexual violence before the age of 18.
- 42% of girls in Zambia are said to be married before the age of 18.
When systems are strained, children often carry the weight. They face not only trauma from abuse but also additional distress as they navigate complex legal processes.
"This MOU is a clear and compelling step toward establishing a collaborative framework that strengthens the prosecution of sexual violence cases against children, while ensuring child victims and witnesses receive the care, protection, and dignity they deserve. Justice, in these circumstances, must go beyond conviction. It must also restore, protect, and empower.” - Gilbert Phiri, Zambia Director of Public Prosecutions
TRANSFORMING THE EXPERIENCE OF JUSTICE
Through this agreement, Kids Alive Zambia will work alongside prosecutors to:
- Provide direct legal representation for children in criminal cases who have been victims of sexual or physical abuse
- Deliver trauma-informed therapy and counselling before, during, and after court proceedings
- Support children and families through social work services, preparation, and ongoing care
- Help create child-friendly court environments that reduce retraumatisation
This integrated model ensures that children are not left to navigate the justice system alone, but are supported at every step.
"Because of this agreement, together we are strengthening the prosecution of cases involving violence against children, while also ensuring that children receive trauma-informed care, psychosocial support, and long-term rehabilitation. This means that a child will not walk through the legal process alone. They will be supported with counselling, care, and people who see them not just as a case, but as a child worthy of dignity and healing.” - Rachel Davidson, Chief Operating Officer of Kids Alive International.
This approach builds on proven work implemented by Kids Alive in other countries. In Guatemala, this integrated model has contributed to significantly improved outcomes for children, including increased conviction rates and stronger long-term healing.
The model was later expanded in Peru through partnerships with national and local justice systems. Zambia now represents the third country where this model is being implemented, marking a continued expansion of a proven, child-centered approach designed for replication and long-term impact. Across these contexts, integrated legal and care approaches have consistently led to stronger outcomes for children, including increased case resolution and greater long-term healing.
As these systems work together, children begin to heal. They rediscover their dignity and identity. They find their voice in the courtroom and beyond.
They begin to believe that their story is not over. In Guatemala, when this model is in place, conviction rates have increased from 3 percent to more than 70 percent and continue to grow, leading to greater accountability, justice, and healing.
A PIONEERING STEP FORWARD
By formally integrating prosecution, therapy, and coordinated case support, this partnership demonstrates what is possible when systems work together to serve the best interests of the child.
What is being built in Zambia is more than a programme. It is a model.
“This partnership represents a model of collaboration that brings together justice and care in a way that is both practical and deeply impactful,” Davidson said. “What is being built here in Zambia is not only important. It is pioneering.”
As Zambia continues to strengthen its systems and invest in its future, this agreement marks a significant step toward ensuring that children are not only protected but also given the opportunity to heal, find their voice, and move forward with dignity. Partnerships like this are made possible through the ongoing support of those committed to seeing children experience both justice and restoration.
Read more through locally recognised media outlets in Zambia:
Posted on May 8th 2026
Updating page...