1.2. PURPOSE OF THE HANDBOOK The Handbook focuses on the current legal framework which should be implemented to protect children, analyses the current practices in handling cases of children in contact with the law and the role of officials in the justice delivery system. The human rights approach adopted in this Handbook will lead to suggestions for improving the situation of children in contact with the law in Zimbabwe. The Handbook seeks to promote a uniform practice in accordance with international human rights law and national laws in handling cases of children in contact with the law. It will also generate a platform for the creation and amendment of laws to meet the best juvenile justice practices. The Handbook seeks to promote a juvenile justice system based on human rights which focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders rather than retribution. The Handbook will also serve as a resource material and an advocacy tool for those in the justice delivery system. 1.3. METHODOLOGY This Handbook is based on the work that Justice for Children has been conducting in providing legal services to children in contact with the law and a desk research which revealed the gaps within the current legal framework. JCT takes cognizance of the fact that some laws are still to be aligned to the Constitution hence recommendations are made on the proposed recommendations for the various laws. In addition to these methods, Justice for Children also monitored court cases involving children in contact with the law. In some of the cases, Justice for Children represented the children in contact with the law. The organisation has further drawn from its participation in the implementation of the Pre Trial Diversion Programme. 1.4. DEFINITIONS Child: every boy or girl under the age of eighteen years as defined by the Constitution Child in conflict with the law: a child alleged as, accused of, or recognised as having infringed the criminal law Convention: is a formal agreement between states and is open to participation by the international community as a whole5. Accession: is an act by which a country signifies its agreement to be legally bound by the terms of a particular treaty and has the same effect as ratification. The difference is that accession is not preceded by signature6. Ratification: is an act by which a state signifies an agreement to be legally bound by the terms of a particular treaty, the state will sign the treaty and fulfill its national legislative requirements7. Diversion: involves the removal from criminal justice processing and frequently, redirection to community support service. This is commonly practiced on a formal and informal basis in many legal systems. This 5 Definitions of key terms used in the UN TREATY collection, www.unicef.org/files/definitions.pdf accessed on the 3/9/10 6 ibid 7 ibid 7