Through peer exchange between Irish and Zambian justice experts, members of the Zambian judiciary have participated in training designed to strengthen trauma-informed approaches within courtroom practice.

The initiative focuses on strengthening rights-based judicial practice and helping courts avoid the retraumatisation of witnesses, particularly in cases involving gender-based violence.

The programme is now being delivered locally through a cascade training model, with Zambian judges training their colleagues across jurisdictions.

Judge Geoffrey Miller KC, one of the Irish judicial trainers involved in the programme, said: “The most important aspect of the training is that Zambian judges assume ownership of the training and apply it to their own court structures, and by so doing that ensures that the reform is led and supported on the ground.”

Zambian Magistrate Tamala Kakusa said: “It’s important that this training is delivered by Zambian judges because Zambian judges have an in-depth knowledge of the legal framework; they are familiar with the judicial precedents that have been pronounced in our jurisdiction and they’re also familiar with the local customs and norms that are currently prevailing.”

By embedding trauma-informed practice within judicial training, the initiative is helping strengthen protections for victims of gender-based violence and other vulnerable witnesses, while ensuring that court processes uphold fundamental legal rights, IRLI said.

The programme is delivered by IRLI in partnership with the judiciary of Zambia, with support from Irish Aid, the Irish government’s programme for international development.