LHRC’s Executive Director Dr Anna Henga. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Africa Human Rights Day (AHRD) 2024 highlights the urgent need to address escalating human rights violations in Tanzania, particularly the alarming rise in violence against children. The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has raised concerns over this pressing issue, emphasizing the duty of society to confront these challenges and protect its most vulnerable members.
At a press conference in Dar es Salaam Yesterday, 21ST October 2024, LHRC Executive Director Dr. Anna Henga revealed troubling statistics indicating a significant uptick in incidents involving child abuse, with boys being the predominant victims.
“Recent reports show that 45% of violence cases involve boys, with sexual violence—especially rape and sodomy—alongside physical attacks, abductions, and killings, being the most common forms,” she stated.
The statistics are stark: girls represent over two-thirds of reported rape victims, with incidents jumping from 6,827 in 2022 to 8,691 in 2023. In total, the Tanzania Police Force recorded 15,301 incidents of violence against children in 2023, up from 11,499 the previous year. In 2024, the trend persists, with children making up nearly half of all documented human rights violations.
Dr. Henga pinpointed several underlying factors contributing to this violence, including societal tolerance, family protection of offenders, legislative gaps, and insufficient funding for intervention programs.
“As we mark AHRD, it’s disheartening to see the rise of such acts in Tanzania. The community must take action, as many offenders are individuals close to us, and these incidents often occur within our homes,” she urged.
The LHRC’s concerns extend beyond child violence. Dr. Henga also highlighted other human rights abuses, including beatings, abductions, and even instances of people being burned alive.
She stressed the importance of public awareness and legal education, emphasizing the media’s critical role in driving this initiative. The fight for human rights is not only a legal obligation but a moral one that calls for collective action from all sectors of society.
Reflecting on AHRD, Dr. Henga acknowledged the broader challenges faced by the continent, including climate change, warfare, and political strife. She noted that Tanzania has yet to ratify key treaties, such as the African Charter on Democracy and Governance and the Maputo Protocol on Gender. Ratification of these treaties would not only enhance Tanzania’s legal framework but also demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights.
The LHRC also condemned the recent abduction of Aisha Machano, National Spokesperson for the Chadema Women’s Wing (Bawacha), who reported being ambushed by individuals posing as police officers. This incident resulted in her arrest, torture, and hospitalization. The police have confirmed the incident and are currently investigating.
“LHRC strongly condemns the arrest and injury of innocent Tanzanians, particularly women in politics during this election period. Such acts violate international treaties to which Tanzania is a signatory,” Dr. Henga asserted, calling on law enforcement to ensure justice for the victims. Ensuring accountability for such actions is essential for maintaining public trust in the justice system.
As well, reports of unlawful arrests of political leaders have emerged, with regional police commanders acknowledging these violations. Dr. Henga cited the recent arrests of Chadema leaders Rhoda Kunchele and Frank Nyalusi, the latter of whom was later released on bail. “We urge authorities to adhere to legal procedures during arrests and ensure timely court appearances,” she added.
Africa Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on October 21 to mark the adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Banjul Charter) by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1981. The day is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights across the continent, advocating for equality, justice, and freedom. It serves as a reminder that the fight for human rights is ongoing and requires sustained efforts from all members of society.