State of Human Rights in Tanzania
Introduction
Tanzania has a mixed human rights record, with significant improvements in some areas and persistent challenges in others. While the government has made strides towards freedom of expression and assembly, concerns remain regarding extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and limitations on the independence of the judiciary.
Positive Developments
- Freedom of Expression: Tanzania's constitution and media laws protect freedom of expression, and the government has generally respected media independence. However, there have been instances of harassment and arrest of journalists.
- Freedom of Assembly: The government allows peaceful protests and demonstrations, but there have been reports of excessive force used by security forces to disperse gatherings.
- Economic and Social Rights: The government has made efforts to improve access to healthcare, education, and housing for its citizens. However, poverty and inequality remain significant challenges.
Challenges
- Extrajudicial Killings: There have been persistent reports of extrajudicial killings by police and security forces, particularly in the context of political unrest or counterterrorism operations.
- Arbitrary Arrests and Detentions: The government has been accused of arbitrary arrests and detentions of political opponents, human rights activists, and journalists.
- Judicial Independence: The judiciary is not fully independent of the executive branch, and there have been concerns about political interference in the courts.
- Freedom of Religion: While Tanzania officially protects freedom of religion, there have been reports of discrimination and harassment against religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Baha'is.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Tanzania criminalizes same-sex relationships, and LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination and violence.
Key Human Rights Concerns
- Excessive Use of Force by Security Forces: Reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and excessive force by police and security forces remain a major concern.
- Political Repression: The government has been accused of suppressing dissent and harassing political opponents, including through arbitrary arrests and detentions.
- Independence of the Judiciary: Concerns persist about the independence of the judiciary and the influence of the executive branch in the courts.
- Gender-Based Violence: Gender-based violence remains a significant problem in Tanzania, with high levels of sexual assault, domestic violence, and female genital mutilation.
- Human Trafficking: Tanzania is a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking, particularly for sexual exploitation and forced labor.
Recommendations
- Implement effective mechanisms to investigate and prosecute extrajudicial killings.
- Ensure due process in arrests and detentions, and release political prisoners.
- Strengthen the independence of the judiciary and protect the rights of defense lawyers.
- Respect and protect the rights of all religious communities.
- Decriminalize same-sex relationships and address discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Strengthen measures to combat gender-based violence and human trafficking.
- Engage in dialogue and cooperation with human rights organizations and civil society groups.