GENEVA: Tanzania has reiterated its commitment to protecting human rights, citing constitutional safeguards, national laws and oversight institutions designed to uphold fundamental freedoms.
The assurance was presented during a side event held alongside the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Speaking at the event, Assistant Director of Human Rights at the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Beatrice Mpembo, said the country’s human rights framework is grounded in constitutional, legislative and institutional structures intended to promote and protect basic rights.
“Our framework demonstrates the country’s commitment to protecting fundamental rights and freedoms while ensuring peace, public order and national stability are maintained,” Mpembo said.
She said the Constitution of Tanzania, as amended, remains the central legal basis for protecting rights through its Bill of Rights, which guarantees freedoms such as equality before the law, the right to life and privacy.
Mpembo said the exercise of rights also takes into account public interest and the rights of others, aiming to balance individual freedoms with civic responsibilities.
She told the session that Tanzania has adopted a range of policies and legal measures to advance human rights, including initiatives addressing violence against women and girls, child justice, female genital mutilation and the rights of persons with disabilities.
Mpembo also highlighted the role of national oversight bodies such as the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance, Parliament and the judiciary in monitoring human rights practices and ensuring accountability.
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At the international level, she said Tanzania continues to engage with regional and global human rights mechanisms and is party to several international treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Through these commitments, the country submits periodic reports and participates in international review processes.
Mpembo said Tanzania is scheduled to submit its next report under the Universal Periodic Review in October 2026.
She also outlined steps taken by President Samia Suluhu Hassan following unrest linked to the October 29, 2025 general election.
According to Mpembo, the president established an independent commission of inquiry on Nov. 18 last year under the Commissions of Inquiry Act to investigate disturbances, property destruction and alleged deaths connected to the vote.
The commission is chaired by retired chief justice Mohamed Chande Othman and includes eight other commissioners with experience in governance, law, security and public administration.
Its mandate includes examining the causes of the unrest, assessing the response of security authorities and recommending measures to strengthen reconciliation and prevent future election-related violence.
Mpembo said the commission has created a public website to allow citizens to submit views and follow its work. Initially given 90 days, the panel was granted a 42-day extension due to strong public interest and is expected to present its report in April 2026.
She added that the government has taken additional steps in response to the post-election situation, including pardoning 1,787 youth offenders linked to minor offences during the unrest.
Mpembo said Tanzania would continue aligning its policies, laws and institutions with regional and international human rights commitments as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and inclusive governance.
