Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Prisons Care and Counselling Association (PRISCCA) is optimistic that the launch of the Pro-Bono Policy Framework by the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) will change Zambia’s human rights profile.
The LAZ pro-bono policy framework obligates all its members to provide at least one free legal representation annually.
PRISCCA Executive Director Dr Godfrey Malembeka says his association appreciates the importance of legal representation for incarcerated inmates, suspects and remandees considering that currently, Zambia has more than 25,205 incarcerated inmates of which 4,000 are pre-trial remandees.
Dr. Malembeka laments that legal representation in Zambia is extremely expensive and an average Zambian cannot afford the services of a private lawyer a situation that has impacted negatively on access to justice in the country.
He notes that the move by the Law Association of Zambia will supplement the Legal Aid Board (LAB) in providing legal representation to people who cannot afford to pay for legal services.