Sidumisile Mabena
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
THE Law Society of Zimbabwe is seeking a consultant to initiate the law reform process through a literature review, consultations, proposed reforms and the drafting of a model Mental Health Bill.
The lawyers say the current Mental Health Act [Chapter 15:12] has been cited as archaic, as it does not resonate with contemporary best practice and also poses a number of gaps that affect the administration of and access to justice in Zimbabwe.
“Service providers and clients are finding it difficult to implement the Mental Health Act’s provisions due to shortcomings relating to the rights of patients, accused persons and survivors of violent crimes and sexual offences. Some of the language and terminology no longer live up to human rights-based approaches as prescribed by international bodies such as the World Health Organization, therefore calling for its revamp,” said the Society.
It said judicial officers, prosecution authorities, health practitioners, caregivers of persons with mental health conditions and legal practitioners continue to cite the inadequacies presented by the current Mental Health Act, thus adversely affecting the administration of and access to justice.
“It is against this background that the Law Society of Zimbabwe seeks a consultant with relevant experience to initiate the law reform process through literature review, consultations, proposed reforms and the drafting of a model Mental Health Bill,” said the LSZ in a statement.
The Society is headed by renowned city lawyer Mr Lison Ncube.
Online Reporter