UPR Sexual Rights Database

Stakeholder Summary:
Para 55) LGBT Voice stated that during the 2011 review, Tanzania had not expressed support for recommendations to repeal the criminal provisions in relation to sexual orientation and to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. As a consequence of the criminalization of homosexual conduct, the police harass and demean LGBT persons with impunity.

National Report:
Para 39) The State continued to implement its National Action Plan for Prevention and Eradication of Violence against Women and Children (2001-2015) as follows: A National Multi-Sectoral Committee to Prevent and Respond to Violence against Women and Children and Child protection teams established and the Tanzania Teachers' Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics of 1963 is under review to include specific measures on promotion of child rights and zero-tolerance for violence against children in schools. A child free help line was launched on 14th June, 2013 and one Stop Centers for child abuse victims were established. The State has also developed a roadmap for raising awareness on Violence against Children and Gender Based Violence (2014-2016). The State continues to be part of a Great Lakes Region campaign on Sex and Gender Based Violence "DECLARE ZERO TOLERANCE NOW" (SGBV) launched in 2012.

Para 40) In Tanzania Zanzibar, Gender based violence (GBV) committees have been established at Village, Ward, District and National level with guidelines for prevention of GBV and there is a National GBV Register Board that records cases of violence against women and children. A call help line was established in 2015 with number 116 to report and receive assistance from incidences of violence and One Stop Centers have been established. Currently, VAC cases are highly reported due to availability of such services and a shelter house has been designated to accommodate survivors of GBV. Also, 417 Gender and Children Desks are in place in major Police Stations around the country which have developed and harmonized Standard Operating procedures(SOP). To that effect, 1,196 Police Officers have been trained on the SOP and their guidelines.

Para 41) Capacity building for health care managers was held in both parts of the Union. In the Lake Zone where GBV is predominant, training on combating and elimination of GBV was held for 281 law enforcers. In Tanzania Zanzibar, the President launched an awareness raising campaign on eradication of violence against women on the 6th December 2014 and a Plan of Action for the implementation of the campaign for women and children is in place. Similarly, Government officials wear orange T-shirts on the 25th day of every month to raise awareness in the community. This goes hand in hand with Community radio sensitization programs.

Para 42) Elements of domestic violence are criminalized under the Penal Code [Cap 16 R.E 2002] and the Zanzibar Penal Act No. 6 of 2004 which criminalize grievous bodily harm and assault being key elements of domestic violence. Further, obstacles to attaining a police report prior to obtaining medical attention have been removed. In Tanzania Zanzibar parenting groups have been established at the grassroots level (Shehia) and are being strengthened to provide care to parents and children. In Tanzania Mainland Section 130 of The Penal Code [Cap 16 RE 2002] criminalizes rape and in Tanzania Zanzibar Section 125(1) of the Penal Act No. 6 of 2004 criminalizes rape.

Stakeholder Summary:
Para 40) CRR stated that at the 2011 review, Tanzania accepted recommendations to address the high level of violence against and girls. However, Tanzania was still failing to effectively implement child protection laws, policies, and action plans throughout the country.

National Report:
Para 78) The Women's Development Plan (2012%u20132016) has been developed, in line with the principles of relevant international human rights standards such as the CEDAW and the Beijing Declaration, to provide policy direction for the promotion and protection of women's rights as well as the empowerment of women in the society. To achieve these goals, the Plan identifies five strategies, namely (1) promote the positive attitudes towards gender equality, (2) develop women's capacity and opportunity, (3) promote women's health and reproductive health and rights, (4) promote women's participation in the politics, administration and decision-making process, and (5) enhance the capacity of mechanisms and women's organisations at all levels.
Para 79) The Government launched the Women's Development Fund in 2012 to enhance women's economic opportunities through a revolving fund for women's groups. The Fund also serves as a tool to promote women's leadership and management skills through women's empowerment projects.
Para 80) To further increase gender equality, since 2012, the Cabinet has approved paid leave of up to 15 days for male government officials whose wives have given birth. MOL has also worked to seek cooperation from the private sector to grant the same benefits of paternity leave to their male workers.