GENEVA: TANZANIA is doubling down on its commitment to safeguarding human rights, backed by...
robust constitutional, legal, and institutional frameworks.The assurance was made during a side event held alongside the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
During the event, Tanzania outlined its constitutional foundations, legislative measures, oversight institutions and ongoing engagement with regional and international human rights mechanisms.
Presenting Tanzania’s position at the session, Assistant Director of Human Rights in the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Ms Beatrice Mpembo said the country’s human rights framework is anchored in a constitutional, legislative and institutional structure designed to promote, protect and realise fundamental rights and freedoms.
“Our framework demonstrates the country’s commitment to protecting fundamental rights and freedoms while ensuring peace, public order and national stability are maintained,” Ms Mpembo said.
She explained that the Constitution of Tanzania (1977), as amended, remains the principal foundation for protecting fundamental rights through the Bill of Rights. The Constitution guarantees key freedoms including equality before the law, the right to life, privacy and other civil liberties.
However, Ms Mpembo noted that the enjoyment of rights is exercised within a framework that also safeguards public interest and the rights of others, ensuring a balance between individual freedoms and civic responsibilities.
She told the session that Tanzania has enacted a range of laws and policies aimed at advancing human rights across several areas, including civil and political rights, socio-economic rights, protection of vulnerable groups and access to justice.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the National Action Plan to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls (2025– 2030), the Child Justice Forum (2022–2026), the Women Justice Forum (2024–2028), the National Action Plan to Eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (2026–2030) and the National Action Plan on the Rights and Welfare of Persons with Disabilities (2024–2028).
Ms Mpembo also emphasised the role of national institutions responsible for safeguarding human rights, including the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance, Parliament and the Judiciary.
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“These institutions play a critical role in monitoring human rights practices, ensuring accountability and strengthening the rule of law,” she said.
At the regional and international levels, Tanzania continues to engage with human rights mechanisms under both African and United Nations systems.
Ms Mpembo noted that the country is party to several key international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Through these commitments, the country submits periodic reports, participates in international review processes and receives recommendations aimed at strengthening governance and human rights protection.
She also highlighted Tanzania’s engagement with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, based in Arusha, and various United Nations treaty bodies.
According to Ms Mpembo, Tanzania is expected to submit its next Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report in October 2026 as part of its continued participation in international accountability and peer review mechanisms.
She also highlighted measures taken by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to strengthen accountability, reconciliation and institutional reforms following unrest linked to the October 29th 2025 General Election.
Ms Mpembo said the president established an Independent Commission of Inquiry on November 18th, last year under the Commissions of Inquiry Act to investigate unrest, destruction of property and alleged deaths connected to the elections.
The commission is chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman and comprises eight other commissioners with expertise in governance, law, security, development and public administration.
“The Commission is intended to strengthen accountability and help restore public confidence in national institutions and democratic processes,” Ms Mpembo said.
Its mandate includes investigating the causes of the disturbances, assessing the response of security authorities, proposing measures to strengthen reconciliation and social cohesion and recommending reforms to prevent future election-related violence.
She said transparency and public participation remain central to the commission’s work.
A public website has been established to provide information about the commission and enable citizens to submit their views.
The commission, initially given 90 days to complete its work, was later granted a 42-day extension due to strong public interest and is expected to submit its report in April 2026.
Ms Mpembo also noted that the government has taken additional measures in response to the post-election situation, including the pardon of 1,787 youth offenders linked to minor offences during the unrest.
She added that the government established a new Youth Ministry under the Office of the President in November 2025 to address youth unemployment, promote skills development and enhance youth participation in national development.
In conclusion, Ms Mpembo said Tanzania will continue aligning its policies, laws and institutional frameworks with regional and international human rights obligations as part of broader efforts to promote justice, accountability and inclusive governance.
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