Membership

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Member profile

ZCSD Member

Undikumbukire Project Zambia

Human rights organisation supporting children in conflict with the law through free legal representation, social services and advocacy.

UPZ

Contact

[email protected]

2046

+260 97 4952012

Stand 35222, Alick Nkhata Road, Lusaka

https://www.upzambia.org

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The problem

53% of Zambia’s population is aged 18 or under and 55% of the children live in poor communities. These areas typically have poor quality housing, inadequate public services, and limited access to substance abuse treatment and social services. These factors have driven the increase in crimes among children. The vast majority of children in conflict with the law cannot afford a lawyer and legal aid resources are very limited. Children often defend themselves alone in court, lacking even a basic understanding of their rights and legal procedure. This has resulted in overly severe charges, one-sided trials, weak convictions and prolonged detention. Further, children often face risks such as violence, exploitation and abuse while detained in correctional facilities, violating national and international law.

The mission

Undikumbukire Project Zambia (UP Zambia) is a human rights organization supporting children in conflict with the law through free legal representation, social services and advocacy to achieve restorative justice in Zambia. 3,224 children received free legal services. 1,754 diverted away from the formal court system. 2,638 children received free social services. 621 families took part in family therapy and support groups. 646 government officials and community leaders were engaged on child rights and the Children’s Code Act.

Services

Legal representation. From police stations to prisons to court, UP Zambia provides free legal support and legal representation to children throughout their cases from start to resolution.

Social support. UP Zambia assesses children’s needs, providing counseling, family support groups, mentorship, and education as they reintegrate into their communities.

Justice systems transformation. Active casework provides the foundation for systems-change advocacy with key stakeholders — identifying problems, providing solutions, and promoting the rights of children.

“I was detained in a correctional facility for four years and had not appeared in court for over a year. I didn’t know what was happening in my case and then a friend told me about UP Zambia’s legal desk inside the correctional facility and how they help children in my situation. I spoke to the UP Zambia team and a week later I had a new court date. I was then acquitted of all charges and reunited with my family.” — Maxsen, child client

Our team

UP Zambia has a highly qualified team of over 30, including attorneys, psychologists, social workers and law graduates, with years of experience in legal representation and child rights, child protection and mental health, advocacy and community sensitization. UP Zambia was founded in 2014 and is registered in Zambia as a company limited by guarantee and designated an NGO and Public Benefit Organization. UP Zambia is governed by a six-member board of directors.

Our reach

We serve children in conflict or at risk of coming into conflict with the law, focusing on children from low-income households in high-density peri-urban areas in Zambia. Our services stretch across Lusaka, Eastern and Muchinga provinces. Our toll-free Child Justice Helpline provides access to free legal information to children across Zambia. By 2033, UP Zambia’s goal is for 10,000 children across Zambia to receive free legal and social support services within a child justice system transformed to uphold children’s rights.