Tanzania has reinforced its commitment to advancing human rights and sustainable development through active participation in the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC62), where the country's delegation is contributing to high-level discussions on some of the world's most pressing social and development challenges.
The session, taking place at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva from June 15 to July 10, has brought together representatives of UN member states, international organisations, national human rights institutions and civil society to deliberate on issues ranging from human rights protection and the rule of law to gender equality, climate action and international cooperation.
The Tanzania National Commission for UNESCO is among the institutions represented in the country's official delegation, reflecting the government's growing emphasis on linking education, science, culture and communication with the global human rights agenda.
The delegation is participating in discussions on the right to education, women's and children's rights, freedom of expression, access to information, business and human rights, climate change and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Leading the Commission's participation is its Executive Secretary, Prof. Hamisi Masanja Malebo, who is attending the council's deliberations alongside senior government officials, including Beatrice Mpembo, Assistant Director in the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Dr Agness Gidna, Chief Conservator from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, and representatives from other public institutions.
For the Commission, the meeting offers an important platform to engage with international policy debates in UNESCO's priority areas, including quality education, science for sustainable development, freedom of expression, ethical use of emerging technologies, access to information and the preservation of cultural heritage as a driver of peace and inclusive development.
On the sidelines of the council session, Tanzania received international recognition from the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its efforts to strengthen the rights of women, particularly domestic workers.
The recognition was announced during a special dialogue on women's rights held to mark the United Nations International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
Speaking on behalf of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, ILO Director for Gender, Equality and Inclusion, Chidi King, commended Tanzania for working with international partners to implement programmes that empower domestic workers to understand, protect and claim their rights.
Tanzania was represented during the discussion by the country's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ambassador Hoyce Temu, who joined diplomats and policymakers from across the world in examining ways to advance gender equality, strengthen the protection of women's rights and expand women's participation in economic and social development.
Officials say participation in the Human Rights Council strengthens the Tanzania National Commission for UNESCO's role in coordinating cooperation between the government and UNESCO while providing opportunities to exchange international best practices that can support national programmes in education, science, culture, communication and information.
As the Human Rights Council continues its work through July 10, the Tanzanian delegation is expected to maintain its engagement in negotiations and thematic discussions aimed at shaping global responses to human rights challenges while promoting the country's priorities on sustainable development, education and inclusive growth.
