Tanzania Human Rights Report 2015 Tanzania Mainland Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) Tanzania Human Rights Report 2015
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Tanzania Human Rights Report 2015 Tanzania Mainland Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) Tanzania Human Rights Report 2015 Publishers Legal and Human Rights Centre Justice Lugakingira House, Kijitonyama P.O. Box 75254, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tel: +255222773038/48, Fax: +255222773037 Email: [email protected] Website: www.humanrights.or.tz Partners - LHRC Accountability in Tanzania (AcT) The Embassy of Norway The Embassy of Sweden ISBN: 978-9987-740-25-3 © LHRC 2016 - ii - Tanzania Human Rights Report 2015 Editorial Board Dr. Helen Kijo-Bisimba Adv. Imelda Urrio Ms. Felista Mauya Adv. Anna Henga Mr. Castor Kalemera Researchers/Writers Mr. Paul Mikongoti Mr. Pasience Mlowe Mr. Fundikila Wazambi Design & Layout Mr. Rodrick Maro - iii - Tanzania Human Rights Report 2015 Acknowledgement Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has been producing the Tanzania Human Rights Report, documenting the situation in Tanzania Mainland since 2002. In the preparation and production of this report LHRC receives both material and financial support from different players, such as the media, academic institutions, other CSOs, researchers and community members as well as development partners. These players have made it possible for LHRC to continue preparing the report due to its high demand. In preparing the Tanzania Human Rights Report 2015, LHRC received cooperation from the Judiciary, the Legislature and the Executive arms of the State. Various reports from different government departments and research findings have greatly contributed to the finalization of this report. Hansards and judicial decisions form the basis of arguments and observations made by the LHRC. The information was gathered through official correspondences with the relevant authorities, while other information was obtained online through various websites. Therefore, LHRC acknowledges the continued collaboration with state actors to ensure that the report is released on a timely basis. Contribution of non-state actors to this report was also immense. These include CSOs, CBOs, FBOs, and academic institutions. The report also highlights comparative statistical information obtained from various international reports and briefs. LHRC acknowledges the support of the media, both print and electronic, in preparation and dissemination of the report findings. Special recognition is extended to the contribution of the electronic media such as websites and blogs (social media). We also acknowledge the contribution made by the Civil and Political Rights Tracking project (UHAKIKI). This project is funded with UK aid from the UK government. The inputs obtained through UHAKIKI project were vital in improving this year’s report. LHRC would like to extend its sincere gratitude to LHRC staff for their combined efforts in supporting the preparation of this report. LHRC is thankful to the researchers and writers of this report, Mr. Pasience Mlowe, Mr. Paul Mikongoti and Mr. Fundikila Wazambi. Special gratitudes are also extended to LHRC drivers Mr. Abuu Makumuli, Mr. Ali Mwashongo, Mr. Mashauri Jeremiah, Mr. Emmanuel Ntalima and Mr. Sekilojo Chambua for their assistance in preparation of this report. - iv - Tanzania Human Rights Report 2015 LHRC further acknowledges the contribution made by human rights monitors and paralegals who provided valuable information through their monthly and quarterly reports. Lastly but not in order of importance, LHRC is very grateful for the continued financial support from its partners: the Embassy of Sweden, the Royal Norwegian Embassy and Accountability in Tanzania (AcT). Dr. Helen Kijo-Bisimba LHRC Executive Director - v - Tanzania Human Rights Report 2015 Table of Contents Acknowledgement......................................................................................................iv Table of Contents........................................................................................................vi List of Tables...............................................................................................................xi List of Figures...........................................................................................................xiii List of Pictures...........................................................................................................xv List of Abbreviations...............................................................................................xvii List of Legislations, Regulations and Policies........................................................xviii List of Regional and International Instruments..........................................................xx List of Cases..............................................................................................................xxi Preface.....................................................................................................................xxii Executive Summary.................................................................................................xxv Chapter One: Background Information on Tanzania.............................................1 1.0 Introduction.......................................................................................................1 1.1 Geography.........................................................................................................1 1.2 Population.........................................................................................................4 1.3 Economic situation...........................................................................................4 1.4 Historical Overview: Colonialism to Present...................................................5 1.5 Governance System..........................................................................................7 1.5.1 The Executive.........................................................................................8 1.5.2 The Legislature.......................................................................................8 1.5.3 The Judiciary..........................................................................................9 Chapter Two: Civil Rights and Liberties...............................................................12 2.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................12 2.1 Right to Life -‘The Mother of All Human Rights’........................................ 13 2.1.1 Death Penalty........................................................................................13 2.1.2 Mob Violence.......................................................................................20 2.1.3 Extra-Judicial Killings..........................................................................25 - vi - Tanzania Human Rights Report 2015 2.1.4 Road Accidents.....................................................................................27 2.1.5 Killings and Attacks Related to Witchcraft Belief and Practices.........34 2.1.6 Brutal Attacks and Killings of PWA............................... .....................39 2.2 Equality before the Law: Access to Justice and Fair Trial.............................48 2.2.1 Introduction...........................................................................................48 2.2.2 Judicial Infrastructure: Human Resources and Facilities.....................48 2.2.3 Powers of DPP to Deny Bail is Challenged in Court...........................50 2.2.4 Legal Aid Provision..............................................................................52 2.2.5 Other Issues Observed in 2015............................................................ 53 2.3 Freedom of Opinion and Expression..............................................................56 2.3.1 Right to Information.............................................................................57 Chapter Three: Political Rights...............................................................................64 3.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................64 3.1 Freedom of Assembly.....................................................................................64 3.1.1 Incidences that limited freedom of Assembly in 2015.........................66 3.1.2 Trend Analysis on Freedom of Assembly.............................................69 3.2 Freedom of Association..................................................................................71 3.2.1 Situation of Right to enjoy freedom of association as political parties72 3.2.2 Freedom of Association as Civil Societies...........................................73 3.3 Right to take part in Governance...................................................................76 3.3.1 Introduction..........................................................................................76 3.3.2 Trend Analysis: Right to Vote..............................................................77 3.3.3 Major observations of 2015 general election: A perspective on the Right to Vote........................................................................................79 Chapter Four: Social Rights....................................................................................88 4.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................88 4.1 Right to Education..........................................................................................89 4.1.1 Overview...............................................................................................89