1. INTRODUCTION
Justice for Children (JCT) is a non-governmental organisation which was established in December
2002 as a Trust under Trust Deed Number MA1300/02. The organisation was registered with the Law
Society of Zimbabwe on the 26th of February 2004 to provide legal services to orphans and vulnerable
children below the age of 18 years. It is an organisation registered both with the High Court of
Zimbabwe and the Law Society of Zimbabwe. It was registered with the Department of Social
Services as a Private Voluntary Organisation under PVO 07/12.
As a child rights organisation, JCT realizes the importance of and is committed to ensuring the safety
of child in the community and those who come in contact with the organisation either in seeking
assistance or through participation in the organisation’s activities. It is for this reason that Justice for
Children has introduced a Child Protection Policy aimed at standardizing child protection measures
both within the organisation and communities. Clear rules governing conduct as well as functioning
and transparent oversight and complaint mechanisms all go towards ensuring a high degree of child
protection and these are contained in this policy. The JCT Board, employees, interns and volunteers
are bound by the policy.
1.1. Background Principles
The policy is derived from principles set out in JCT’s Constitution and international and regional
instruments on children’s rights such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
(UNCRC), the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) and these are: non
discrimination, life survival and development and child participation.
1.2 Vision, Mission and Values
a. Vision
A Zimbabwe in which all children have access to justice and enjoy their human rights.
b. Mission
Justice for Children ensures access to Justice to and the enjoyment of human rights by all children
below the age of 18 years through:
The provision of legal aid to children in difficult circumstances,
Empowering the children and adults on child protection laws and child rights and
responsibilities, and
Research on issues affecting children and advocating for them.