LHRC calls upon for effective implementation of human rights

Anna Henga, LHRC Executive Director, gave the statement over the weekend during the commemoration of 75 years of universal declaration of human rights (UDHR) and International Human Rights Day.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the LHRC Boss said that many people around the world are still facing challenges due to the violation and lack of observation of human rights as a sustainable development goal.

“Although, we are celebrating the 75 years of the universal declaration of human rights, there are still many challenges, where 2 billion people are living in hunger, absolute poverty, etc. meaning the development rights have been violated. We have made reflections and reached a realization that the main reason is that the 17 sustainable development goals are not implemented effectively,” she said.

She also added that: “The first goal is focused on addressing poverty – however, people are still living in absolute poverty. We know more than 80% of Tanzanians are poor, only 20 per cent live in the middle and upper classes of the society. So this is still a major challenge. There are many groups whose rights are being undermined – for example; 47 per cent of all acts of human rights abuse are against children, the second group is women where 33 per cent of all crimes against human rights target women.

On the other hand, Henga also expressed optimism in the future of Tanzania human rights commitment citing that the ongoing law reforms undertaken by the government giving an example of  the recent’ media coverage bill for the elections period’ taken to parliament for discussion and the for 4-R philosophy by President Samia Suluhu Hassan namely; Reform, Rebuild, Reconciliation and Resilience which play a key role garnering major changes in the country’s laws and policies.

For his part , Zlatan Millisic, the UN Tanzania resident coordinator, commended Tanzania’s stride to achieving human rights as he noted the legal reforms undertaken by the government to achieve equality, dignity and justice for all guided by President Samia 4-R philosophy.

“The UN in Tanzania commends the government for its noticeable achievement in this domain. Tanzania’s ratification of six core international treaties and its ongoing commitment to meeting the human rights obligations is commendable. Also, noting the government’s recent initiatives guided by principles of reforms, reconciliation, resilience and rebuilding mark a pivotal point in our effort,” he said.

Millisic noted that: “The ongoing consultation on the constitutional law reforms and other statutory laws are crucial towards aligning national laws with international standards. This progress underscores Tanzania’s commitment to advancing human rights and ensuring dignity, equality and justice for all. As the United Nations in Tanzania, we are steadfast in our resolve to support the government, civil society and all human rights stakeholders.”

While delivering his remarks to the event, Retired Judge Mathew Mhina, Chairman of the Commission of Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) emphasized that the achievement of human rights should involve collective efforts rather than having the matter dealt with by one person of the institution.

“AS human rights stakeholders, our key role are to ensure we work together to fight for these rights so that the public and us, included, can enjoy as stipulated in the national constitution and in the international & zonal treaties. I would like to call upon all of us to deliberate on ways we meet more often and discuss together to deliberate and seek solutions of the existing challenges and have a country that observes human rights.