Review of Protocol for the Multi-Sectoral Management of Child Sexual Abuse in Zimbabwe

The Victim Friendly System consists of multisectoral partners including the police, Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Social Services to create a conducive environment for efficient and effective management of child sexual abuse before trial, during trial and post-trial process. This desk review analyses the Multisectoral Protocol on the Management of Child Sexual Abuse in relation to international and regional instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, African Charter on the Rights and welfare of Children. In addition the contents of the protocol contents are compared analysed to national policy frameworks to identify the gaps in the system and how it can be improved. In general the protocol guides the implementation justice for vulnerable victims and witnesses in child sexual abuse in line with international and regional standards before trial, during trial and after trial. The protocol ensures that the best interests of the child are protected, children are treated with respect, that they are heard, express their views and ensure that they receive effective assistance when in contact with the law. It provides a framework for child protection in Zimbabwe. It however needs systems strengthening to ensure that there are adequate human and financial resources, accountability systems, management information systems a monitoring and evaluation system for efficient and effective delivery of child justice.