Workshop on the preparation of Tanzania's report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights

• Representative (TBC), Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs;
• Ms. Roberta Serrentino, Human Rights Officer, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights;
• Government Officials;
• UN Colleagues;
• Civil Society;
• Distinguished guests;

Habari za Asubuhi!

A very good morning to all!

I am very pleased to be here with you all. Let me begin by thanking the Directorate of Human Rights at the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for organizing this very important workshop.

We are gathered here to reflect and advance the cause of human rights. Tanzania is making important strides in the area of human rights. We commend the successful completion of the Third Universal Periodic Review in November 2021 and the adoption of the final report in March 2022.

The commitment to implementing 167 recommendations demonstrates a strong dedication to human rights and the United Nations is ready to lend its full support in this initiative.

We note the 20 recommendations that were accepted with partial support and the 65 recommendations that have been recognized but not yet fully adopted. We eagerly anticipate the finalization of the National Human Rights Action Plan and applaud the commitment shown to amending laws to further align with these recommendations. In this light, I call upon the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, along with the equivalent body in Zanzibar, to act swiftly and firmly on this commitment.

It is, at the same time, crucial to strengthen the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up, an initiative that Tanzania has already begun to undertake. We encourage further efforts, including ensuring the nomination of dedicated Government focal points from line ministries with a human rights reporting mandate.

We also commend the initiative by the Tanzanian Government to clear the backlog in Treaty Body reports. Such efforts contribute to the broader mission of maintaining transparency and trust. However, it is necessary to release reports that have been completed, such as the State Report on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, validated here in Morogoro in May 2022. Allow me to underline this point again: release the human rights reports that are completed. Such disclosure not only builds trust among international partners but ensures the continued support for government initiatives.

The United Nations is eager to see the completion of the State Party report on the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. These documents are invaluable for our collective progress in human rights.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seek to realize the human rights of all and more than 90% of the targets directly reflect elements of international human rights and labour standards. The pledge of the SDGs to “leave no one behind” mirrors the fundamental human rights principles of non-discrimination and equality.

Many of you will be aware that the Government has conducted a Voluntary National Review (VNR) of progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) this year. This is Tanzania’s second VNR – the first was done in 2019. The Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba is currently in New York leading the delegation that will be presenting the VNR to the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) along with other UN member states later this month and they will be exchanging experiences.

The VNR, which I encourage you all to read, assesses how much progress has been made on the different SDGs and analyses how they have been integrated into national plans and strategies. Tanzania's VNR process serves as a testament to the Government’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and human rights is fundamental to this journey.

The UN in Tanzania remains committed to providing the necessary assistance to support the Government's identified priorities in relation to human rights and enhance its ability to meet reporting obligations. Moreover, we stand ready to assist in the monitoring and follow-up of the outcomes of various Human Rights Mechanisms and are keen to ensure these efforts complement and synergize with recommendations and outcomes of the VNR.

In closing, it is worth recalling the words of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in 1968, he said:

The struggle for human rights is never easy. But it is a struggle that is worth fighting, because it is a struggle for the dignity and well-being of all people. Human rights are not a gift from government. They are the birthright of all people, and governments have a duty to uphold them.

We must never forget that human rights are not just about words on a page. They are about the lives of real people, and we have a responsibility to uphold them. We must work together to create a world where everyone can live in dignity and freedom.

I wish you all a fruitful and productive week which I hope will be a significant step towards the harmonious advancement of human rights and sustainable development in Tanzania.

Asanteni sana!