DAR ES SALAAM, Dec 16 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — TANZANIA is making significant strides in upholding human rights and good governance, reflecting a positive trend in ensuring its citizens enjoy their fundamental rights.
The Chairperson of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) Judge (Rtd) Mathew Mwaimu said that Tanzania is recording good performance in observing human rights.
He was speaking during the closing ceremony of the three-day Human Rights Day commemoration held from Thursday to Saturday at Mwembeyanga Grounds in Temeke, Dar es Salaam.
Although the United Nations mandates Human Rights Day is observed on Dec 10 each year, Tanzania marked the occasion a few days later due to national events coinciding with the official date.
Themed “Our Rights, Our Lives, Now and in the Future,” this year’s celebration featured a camp set up by the commission to provide education and legal assistance to residents of Dar es Salaam.
“In Tanzania, we are making notable progress in human rights. Despite the challenges we face, the country is performing well, reflecting a positive shift by the government to ensure Tanzanians can fully enjoy their fundamental rights,” said Judge Mwaimu.
He emphasised that despite setbacks, significant efforts have positioned Tanzania as a leader in human rights observance, including improvements in press freedom when compared to other neighbouring countries.
Judge Mwaimu credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her proactive leadership in strengthening press freedom, highlighting her directive for all government institutions and ministries to incorporate communication units and ensure public access to information.
Additionally, the CHRAGG Chairperson noted that the government has been amending various laws to enhance human rights and equality, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to these principles.
He also praised the Criminal Justice Commission established by President Samia and led by retired Chief Justice Mohammed Chande Othman. Judge Mwaimu pointed out that the opinions and recommendations gathered from citizens and stakeholders across the country underscored the President’s determination to reform criminal justice institutions.
“President Samia accepted all the recommendations and transformed the commission into an implementation committee,” he said, adding that this has led to the implementation of several initiatives, including directives to relevant institutions and ministries to carry out reforms in the criminal justice sector.
CHRAGG Executive Secretary Patiance Mtwina highlighted that during the three-day camp, the commission not only provided education but also offered legal aid to citizens.
The legal aid addressed various issues such as land disputes, inheritance matters, insurance claims, retirement benefits and labour conflicts.
“We are addressing each dispute to ensure timely solutions for the citizens,” said Mtwina.
A lawyer from the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition, Richard Shumbusho insisted on the need for intensified government efforts to address rising human rights violations, such as abductions, in order to maintain peace and harmony.
“We want a society where everyone’s rights are respected, protected and promoted. Our goal is to end impunity and ensure accountability for those involved in human rights violations,” said Shumbusho. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
