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President Samia Suluhu Hassan has defended Tanzania's human rights record, saying the country has established a robust constitutional and legal framework to protect fundamental rights and ensure citizens have access to justice.
Opening the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) annual conference in Arusha on Monday, the President said Tanzania has consistently strengthened its human rights architecture through constitutional reforms and legislation.
She said a major milestone was reached in 1984 when the country incorporated a Bill of Rights into the Constitution, expanding the range of rights guaranteed to citizens.
"Tanzania first introduced the Bill of Rights into its Constitution in 1984 and broadened the scope of those rights," President Samia told delegates.
She said the constitutional changes have since been reinforced by a series of laws designed to strengthen the protection and enforcement of human rights.
According to the President, the legal framework empowers citizens to seek redress through the courts whenever they believe their constitutional rights have been violated.
"We have enacted numerous laws to strengthen the implementation of human rights. We have also ensured that citizens who believe their rights have been infringed can turn to the courts to seek justice and defend those rights," she said.
Her remarks came as legal professionals from across the country convened for the conference, which is expected to deliberate on legal reforms, professional ethics and the role of lawyers in promoting the rule of law and improving access to justice.
The President said the continued strengthening of legal institutions and the justice system remains central to protecting citizens' rights and maintaining public confidence in the rule of law.
