The government has pledged to continue creating a favourable environment for human rights defenders and civil society organisations, while urging development partners to maintain support for institutions working to promote and protect human rights in Tanzania.
Speaking yesterday during the opening of the 15th General Assembly of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) at Mlimani City Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam, Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi said collaboration between the government, local organisations and international partners remains critical in strengthening human rights protection.
Dr Nchimbi said support from development partners has enabled human rights organisations to expand their activities, create employment opportunities and improve their capacity to serve communities.
He thanked international partners for their continued cooperation and asked the European Union Ambassador to Tanzania to convey the government’s appreciation to other development partners supporting human rights initiatives.
The Vice President encouraged development partners to continue engaging with local institutions to identify ways of sustaining and increasing support, warning that a decline in funding could affect the ability of human rights defenders to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
“When they reduce their contributions, they reduce an important space for human rights defenders, not only in Tanzania but also in Africa and the world,” he said.
Dr Nchimbi said the government recognises the role played by human rights organisations in society and will continue working with stakeholders to ensure they operate in an environment that allows them to contribute positively to national development.
The THRDC General Assembly brought together human rights defenders, government representatives, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening the protection and promotion of human rights in Tanzania.
The meeting also provided a platform for stakeholders to review progress, address challenges facing human rights defenders and explore ways of improving cooperation between state and non-state actors.
