23 March 2022
Geneva, Switzerland
Mikataba 252 ambayo Tanzania iliridhia na inayogusa haki zote ikiwemo UWAZI ni kama ifuatayo
Mh. George Simbachawene akihutubia UMoja wa Mataifa kuhusu haki haki na kuuhakikishia ulimwengu kuwa haki zote ktk awamu ya 6 zinazingatiwa
Tanzania yaridhia umri wa kuoa na kuolewa, mimba za utotoni, uhuru wa habari, kufunguliwa vya vyombo vya online pia magazeti, imeridhia mikutano ya vyama vya siasa kufanyika, kuna masuala 65 ambayo hayalingani na tamaduni, imani na desturi za Tanzania bado hayajakubaliwa, hukumu ya kifo, sheria ya makosa dhini ya watu wenye hali ya u albino, ukatili wa kijinsia, ....
GEORGE B. SIMBACHAWENE, Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs of Tanzania, said Tanzania was a strong proponent of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism which brought together State actors, civil society and development partners. As the Government pursued the goal of realisation of human rights for all Tanzanians, the recommendations were given the highest consideration. All 252 recommendations were disseminated to State and non-State actors, including the National Human Rights Institution as well as civil society, in both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. As a result of broad-based consultations, Tanzania had accepted to implement 167 recommendations, which were in compliance with the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Constitution of Zanzibar.
The recommendations aligned with policies, laws and programmes which called for the promotion and protection of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, emerging human rights issues, anti-corruption efforts, environmental conservation and development priorities of Tanzania. The Government affirmed its commitment to implementing all the accepted recommendations, which had been deemed strategic and effective interventions for the promotion and protection of human rights. 65 recommendations had been noted; those were recommendations that were not in alignment with the Constitutions, policies, laws, traditions, beliefs and culture of Tanzania, or which required further consultations before making a conclusive decision. The Government strived to ensure that all Tanzanians were provided with equal civil, political, economic, social and cultural human rights.
Discussion
Speakers applauded the Government of Tanzania for progress made in strengthening its institutional frameworks for the promotion and protection of rights and fundamental freedoms. Strides had been made in the area of social development, including the introduction of fee-free primary education and remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speakers further commended Tanzania on the establishment of the National Commission for Human Rights, which was in accordance with the Paris Principles. Speakers noted steps taken to curb child labour, as well as the measures taken by the Government toward ensuring freedom of expression and the right to information, which included entering into dialogue with media practitioners and amending some pieces of legislation. Tanzania’s acceptance of close to 75 percent of the recommendations showed real commitment to further promoting and protect the rights of all persons on its territory. The acceptance of recommendations prioritised expenditures in health including specialised care and services for people living with albinism, as well as scaling up investment in education.
Other speakers took note of the challenges faced by Tanzania in implementing some of its human rights obligations under Article 12(3) of the African Charter which recognized the right to seek and obtain asylum in other countries, as well as the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Speakers regretted that Tanzania did not receive any recommendations on the rights of sex workers, urging the Government to repeal the Penal Code provisions criminalising acts associated with sex work, place a moratorium on the arrest and harassment of sex workers under vagrancy laws, and revise and harmonise national legislation in line with regional and international human rights instruments. Tanzanian authorities continued to weaponise the law to target the opposition and critical voices, using non-bailable offence provisions under the Criminal Procedure Act to detain people for unreasonable periods of time. The State should ensure accountability for election-related human rights violations and guarantee post-election human rights reforms to reverse the Government’s increasing repression and crackdown on civic space.
The Vice-President of the Council informed that out of 252 recommendations received, 167 enjoyed the support of Tanzania, while 65 had been noted. Additional clarification was provided on 20 recommendations, indicating which parts of the recommendations were supported and which parts were noted
Concluding Remarks
GEORGE B. SIMBACHAWENE, Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs of Tanzania, said Tanzania continued to accord great significance to the Universal Periodic Review, as it played a key role in the promotion and protection of human rights in the country. Tanzania was committed to implementing the accepted recommendations, as they would have a direct impact on the realisation of human rights and sustainable development of the country. The Universal Periodic Review was a continuous process, and the Government would continue to address the remaining challenges through dialogue, in collaboration with all stakeholders. It would also continue to strengthen its internal mechanisms and promote engagement with all non-State actors and development partners. The Government, under the stewardship of Tanzania’s first female President, would meet the aspirations and objectives of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism during the coming fourth cycle.
Link:
Conseil des droits de l’homme : Examen périodique
