The Human Rights Council this morning adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Papua New Guinea, Tajikistan, and Tanzania.

Lucas Manduru, First Secretary at the Embassy of Papua New Guinea in Belgium, outlined the human rights situation in the country, including the best practices and challenges.  He noted that the Government had seriously treated the 161 recommendations received during the interactive dialogue and had considered them in cooperation with civil society.  The Government was aware of the challenges, and encouraged support by the key stakeholders to improve human rights in Papua New Guinea.

In the ensuing discussion, speakers praised Papua New Guinea for its efforts toward moving forward on international instruments, including addressing the rights of persons with disabilities.  The Supreme Court’s decision to close the Manus Island detention centre for asylum seekers seeking protection in Australia was welcomed.  However, serious concerns about the human rights situation in Papua New Guinea were noted by other speakers, such as the use of unlawful force by police during arrest, interrogation and pre-trial detention, as well as alarming levels of family and gender-based violence. 

Speaking were Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, UN Women, United Nations Children’s Fund, Venezuela, Algeria, China, Cuba, Fiji, Indonesia, and Maldives.

Also speaking were Franciscans International, in a joint statement with Edmund Rice International, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.    

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Papua New Guinea.

Jamshed Khamidov, Permanent Representative of Tajikistan to the United Nations Office at Geneva, reviewed international instruments that Tajikistan had taken steps toward acceding to, and listed national measures aimed at improving the situation for human rights in his country.  Those included a Comprehensive National Action Plan on Human Trafficking 2014-2016, and the Law on Preventing Human Trafficking and Providing Support to Victims in 2014.  With regard to the recommendation to allow access to the International Committee of the Red Cross to all places of detention, Tajikistan noted that all places of detention were in line with international standards and that detainees had different ways and means to file complaints.

In the ensuing discussion, some speakers expressed concern at what they called the worsening human rights situation in Tajikistan.  Others focused on the country’s progress made in areas such as improving access to health care services, and Tajikistan’s positive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process.  Speakers called attention to issues they identified across the range of human rights, including violence against women and freedom of expression and assembly, noting that recommendations most relevant to the freedom of expression and democratic freedoms had either been rejected or accepted with the heavy qualifier that they had already been implemented. 

Speaking were United States, India, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Russian Federation, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, UN Women, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Afghanistan, and Belarus.

Also speaking were Jssor Youth Organization, Action Canada for Population and Development, Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, Article 19, Human Rights Watch, and Lawyers for Lawyers.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Tajikistan.

Sifuni E. Mchome, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs of Tanzania, said that the recommendations that Tanzania had accepted pertained to environmental protection, freedom of association and expression, access to justice, and many other areas of focus, while rejected recommendations pertained to issues and matters contrary to the constitution, as well as religious and cultural beliefs, and other concerns.  Some of Tanzania’s key national priorities were free basic education, combatting economic crimes, including tax evasion, and finalisation of the Constitutional Review Process. 

In the ensuing discussion, speakers welcomed Tanzania’s acceptance of the recommendations concerning the fight against harmful traditional practices and corruption, as well as the measures taken to promote the rights of persons with albinism.  They noted the success of the constitutional reform and the implementation of the National Action Plan for Human Rights.  They encouraged Tanzania to combat all forms of discrimination against women, notably female genital mutilation. 

Speaking were Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Kenya, Latvia, Libya, Maldives, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

Also speaking were the following civil society organizations: Rencontre Africaine pour la Defense des Droits de l’Homme, Article 19, East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, Human Rights Watch, Centre for Reproductive Rights, COC Nederland, and Jubilee Campaign.

The Council then adopted the Universal Periodic Review of Tanzania.  

The Council has a full day of meetings today.  It will next meet at noon to hold a panel discussion on youth and human rights.  At 3 p.m. it will consider the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Antigua and Barbuda, Swaziland, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Documentation

The Council has before it the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review – Papua New Guinea (A/HRC/33/10)

The Council has before it an addendum to the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review – Papua New Guinea: views on conclusions and/or recommendations, voluntary commitments and replies presented by the State under review (A/HRC/33/10/Add.1).

The Council has before it the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review – Tajikistan (A/HRC/33/11).

The Council has before it an addendum to the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review – Tajikistan: views on conclusions and/or recommendations, voluntary commitments and replies presented by the State under review (A/HRC/33/11/Add.1).

The Council has before it the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review – Tanzania (A/HRC/33/12).

The Council has before it an addendum to the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review – Tanzania: views on conclusions and/or recommendations, voluntary commitments and replies presented by the State under review (A/HRC/33/12/Add.1).

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Papua New Guinea

LUCAS MANDURU, First Secretary of the Embassy of Papua New Guinea in Belgium, outlined the human rights situation in Papua New Guinea, including the best practices and challenges.  He noted that the Government had treated seriously the 161 recommendations made during the interactive dialogue and had considered them in cooperation with civil society.  The reaction to the recommendations was very positive.  The Government remained committed to upholding its international human rights obligations and had made steady progress in legislation and policy.  However, it was aware of the challenges in terms of implementation.  It encouraged support by the key stakeholders to improve human rights in Papua New Guinea. 

Nigeria commended the continued commitment of Papua New Guinea to constructive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.  Nigeria encouraged Papua New Guinea to combat violence against women and girls and gender-based violence on all levels.  It was optimistic that the Government’s continued engagement would yield more successful results in the future.

Pakistan appreciated the decision to accept the majority of the recommendations and wished Papua New Guinea success in their implementation.  Pakistan welcomed the ratification of various international human rights conventions, including the implementation of the National Disability Policy, and that the country was considering the ratification of the Convention against Torture.  It noted that the Action Plan on Trafficking in Persons was a welcome development. 

Sierra Leone appreciated that Papua New Guinea had key national priorities, including education, economic growth, health, law, justice and the infrastructure.  The initiatives to provide free primary healthcare, and human rights training to law enforcement officers were positive developments.  Sierra Leone encouraged the Government to establish a national human rights institution and to seek technical assistance.

UN Women congratulated Papua New Guinea on the ongoing efforts to address gender-based violence.  However, it was concerned that the establishment of the national human rights institution was still outstanding.  Violence and extrajudicial killings needed to be addressed.  UN Women was ready to provide the Government with the necessary support to address those issues.   

United Nations Children’s Fund recognized the significant efforts made by the Government of Papua New Guinea, but noted that it was yet to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, urging the Government to invest adequate funding and human resources to address that issue, as well as malnourishment and maternal mortality.  Concern over the low level of birth registration was reiterated. 

Venezuela acknowledged efforts made by the Government of Papua New Guinea to implement recommendations made during the Universal Periodic Review, such as the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  Venezuela noted that there had been progress in the field of equality with regard to access to primary school.

Algeria commended the efforts deployed by Papua New Guinea, particularly on free education and on promoting the rights of people with disabilities.  The cooperation of Papua New Guinea with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and its acceptance of the vast majority of recommendations was further commended.

China welcomed Papua New Guinea’s constructive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review, and thanked the country for accepting recommendations, including those on a strategy to respond to gender issues, among other initiatives suggested.  The international community was called on to continue its financial and technical support and capacity building to Papua New Guinea to help it tackle challenges in human rights.

Cuba recognized progress made, including the national policy for disability, and the establishment of an independent commission.  Cuba had put forward two recommendations on the protection of the environment, and gratitude was expressed for the fact that those recommendations had been accepted.  

Fiji recognized the efforts of Papua New Guinea to ensure the protection of human rights at all levels of the State, in particular the decision of the Supreme Court to close the Manus Island detention centre and to ensure the rights of victims of domestic violence, as well as the steps to establish the Family and Sexual Violence Units.

Indonesia welcomed the continuous commitment of Papua New Guinea to human rights through the development programmes on the rule of law, the right to health and the infrastructure.  Indonesia encouraged Papua New Guinea to ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and to establish a national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles, a witness protection agency, and a cross-border committee with Indonesia. 

Maldives was pleased that Papua New Guinea had embarked on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and other global agreements and policies, taking into account the inherent vulnerabilities and challenges of being a small island developing State.  It welcomed the country’s continued cooperation with the human rights treaty bodies. 

Franciscans International, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to close the Manus Island detention centre for asylum seekers seeking protection in Australia.  It called on the Government of Papua New Guinea to ensure that all primary and secondary schools developed child protection policies, to arrest and convict all persons involved in sorcery accusations, and to monitor, regularly review and report publicly on the operations of extractive industries. 

Amnesty International was concerned that despite the passing of the Family Protection Act in 2013 and the Child Protection Act in 2014, very little had been done to implement that legislation and to address the substantial levels of gender-based violence and gender inequality.  It also drew attention to excessive use of force by security officials, torture and other ill treatment.

Human Rights Watch said that the inadequate implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities had meant few genuine improvements for victims of human rights violations.  Of particular concern was the use of unlawful force by police during arrest, interrogation and pre-trial detention, as well as alarming levels of family and gender-based violence.    

The President said that out of 161 recommendations, Papua New Guinea had accepted 108 and noted 53.

LUCAS MANDURU, First Secretary of the Embassy of Papua New Guinea in Belgium, said that Papua New Guinea indeed faced challenges in the attempts to ensure that the human rights ideals that it aspired to were attained.  Mr. Manduru said that Papua New Guinea would work together with partners in the region to address some of the challenges, and then thanked all who had participated in the dialogue today.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Papua New Guinea.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Tajikistan

JAMSHED KHAMIDOV, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Tajikistan to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that Tajikistan had supported more than half of the recommendations it had received.  In 2010, Tajikistan had adopted the Law on Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities; at the same time, Tajikistan was harmonizing its legislation with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and adopting the minimum standards in various areas.  Tajikistan had still not ratified the Convention and its Optional Protocol.  Tajikistan had agreed to adopt a moratorium on the death penalty and would study the legal options for its abolition, and had also accepted the recommendation to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.  The Law on Freedom of Association had been adopted in line with requirements of international instruments and this law had greatly simplified the procedures for the registration of religious bodies, while the regulation of religious organization was being undertaken in line with international standards.  Particular emphasis was placed on the development of the national action plan on human rights in order to ensure a comprehensive approach to the promotion of human rights, with the engagement of civil society.  Since 2011, six periodic reports had been presented to various human rights treaty bodies and Tajikistan had accepted the recommendation to continue the development of the national human rights plan.

Other recommendations that enjoyed the support of Tajikistan included the adoption of a complete ban on all forms of discrimination, prevention of discrimination and violence against women, while criminalization of domestic violence would require further study of best practices of other countries and would be reviewed at a later stage.  Tajikistan had also accepted the recommendation on human trafficking and said that it was already taking the necessary measures to address this issue.  Tajikistan had adopted a Comprehensive National Action Plan on Human Trafficking 2014-2016, and the Law on Preventing Human Trafficking and Providing Support to Victims in 2014.  Tajikistan had accepted the recommendation on ensuring and guaranteeing the rights and fundamental freedoms of detainees and arrested persons, including their protection from torture and ill-treatment in detention and bringing perpetrators to justice.  The legislation clearly defined torture in line with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, but Tajikistan did not accept the recommendation to adopt the Optional Protocol as it wished to first harmonize its legislation with its provisions, particularly in terms of providing unrestricted access to places of detention.  With regard to the recommendation to allow access to the International Committee of the Red Cross to all places of detention, Tajikistan noted that all places of detention were in line with international standards and that detainees had different ways and means to file complaints.

United States remained troubled by the worsening human rights situation in Tajikistan.  The Government was called on to cease the harassment and persecution of human rights defenders and members of civil society organizations.  It was further called on to provide human rights defenders with fair and transparent trials.  Concern was expressed over the situation of three named individuals.

India commended Tajikistan for the constructive manner in which it had participated in the Universal Periodic Review process, and noted that it was encouraging that the country had accepted India’s recommendation.   

Kyrgyzstan positively assessed Tajikistan’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process, and noted the country’s efforts towards improving the situation for women and youth.  Kyrgyzstan recommended that the Council adopt the report on Tajikistan’s Universal Periodic Review.

Maldives was pleased that the three recommendations made by Maldives were accepted by Tajikistan, which had highlighted the importance of taking definitive measures to end child marriages, improve health care services, and ensure access to clean drinking water for the whole population.

Nigeria commended Tajikistan for its continued engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process, noting the implementation of recommendations which had been undertaken since the first cycle.  Nigeria joined other delegations in recommending that the report of the Working Group on Tajikistan be adopted. 

Pakistan valued the constructive engagement of Tajikistan to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for the protection of human rights, and its commitment to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  It appreciated that it had accepted many of the recommendations made during the Universal Periodic Review process.

Paraguay welcomed that its recommendations with respect to the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights had been accepted by Tajikistan.  It also valued the establishment of procedures to identify appropriate services for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. 

Russian Federation noted that Tajikistan had accepted the majority of the recommendations and that it had strengthened human rights mechanisms and institutions, which would contribute to further improvements in the overall human rights situation.

Sierra Leone appreciated that Tajikistan had accepted two recommendations made by Sierra Leone, including the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  It also welcomed the formulation of a new national development strategy in Tajikistan, and the Government’s approval of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework 2016-2020.

Sudan commended the positive engagement of Tajikistan with the Universal Periodic Review process and the judicial reform programme of 2015-2017, which was aimed at strengthening the judiciary and increasing the role of courts in human rights protection.  It also welcomed the implementation of a comprehensive programme to combat trafficking in persons 2014-2016.

Togo commended Tajikistan for its cooperation with treaty bodies and Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council and was pleased with the drafting of several National Action Plans to implement the recommendations stemming from various reviews.  The drawing up of the new human rights strategy to guarantee the social wellbeing of the people of Tajikistan was saluted.

UN Women said that Tajikistan had a solid legal framework for the rights of women, but there were no clear mechanisms for the enforcement of those laws and policies.  Tajikistan should ensure their effective implementation and enforcement at the national level.  The State lacked effective response to the widespread domestic violence and in particular should address the root causes, including hard living conditions, patriarchal  norms and gender stereotypes.

United Kingdom remained seriously concerned about Tajikistan’s pressure on legitimate political opposition, restrictions on civil society and the funding of non-governmental organizations.  Tajikistan should ensure that all legislation adopted was in line with its international human rights obligations.  It was disappointing that Tajikistan had not accepted the recommendation to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and establish a national preventive mechanism in an effort to prevent torture from occurring.

Venezuela said that the Government of Tajikistan had demonstrated its commitment to human rights by its collaboration with human rights mechanisms and was pleased that it dedicated over 75 per cent of its budget to social spending.  Venezuela encouraged Tajikistan to work towards most needy segments of the population by strengthening its social policies and programmes.

Afghanistan highly valued the strong commitment of Tajikistan to the promotion and protection of human rights and the ratification of more than 50 Conventions and main human rights instruments.  Afghanistan appreciated Tajikistan’s implementation of the National Inclusive Education Policy for Children with Special Needs 2011-2015.

Belarus said that an attentive study of all the recommendations by Tajikistan’s Government indicated the high level of attention it gave to the promotion and protection of human rights.  Tajikistan had accepted a significant number of recommendations across the scale of human rights obligations, including recommendations by Belarus.

Jssor Youth Organization said that violence against women in Tajikistan was insufficiently acknowledged as a problem worthy of public attention.  Rising sexual abuse against women was of the deepest concern.  It was important for Tajikistan’s Government to expand its Domestic Violence Prevention Programme into rural areas. 

Action Canada for Population and Development said that the legal framework in the area of the rights of women was insufficient and not in alignment with international human rights standards, as marital rape was still not considered an offense under the law.  Inattention to the rights of sex workers was also gravely worrying.  The Government was called on to ensure that the development of policies and programmes was conducted with the meaningful participation of those who would be affected.

Organization for Defending Victims of Violence said that it continued to be concerned about violations of human rights with respect to opposition figures in Tajikistan.  Persecution had increased, with one group declared a terrorist organization.  Opposition members were being arrested and put in prison.  The Government of Tajikistan was called on to cease limiting freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, and to cease using torture.

10      International Federation for Human Rights Leagues expressed concern over the fact that Tajikistan had failed to accept recommendations to ratify the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.  Tajik authorities continued to unduly restrict civil society activities, and they did not accept the recommendation on the adoption of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law.

Article 19 regretted that recommendations most relevant to freedom of expression and democratic freedoms had either been rejected or accepted with the heavy qualifier that they had already been implemented.  Freedom of expression was not protected online in Tajikistan, or in the print and broadcast media.  Article 19 called on the Government of Tajikistan to repeal all laws restricting freedom of expression.

Human Rights Watch drew attention to Tajikistan’s practice of unfair trials, namely in the case of leaders of the banned Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan.  Since the Universal Periodic Review, the political crackdown against that party and other critics, activists, journalists and lawyers had intensified. 

Lawyers for Lawyers called on Tajikistan to allow unhindered access to legal counsel in pre-trial custody and to stop the practice of giving lawyers a one-time access permission paper to see their clients and ensure free access to clients.  It urged the Government to release the lawyers who had been prosecuted in relation to their professional activities as attorneys. 

Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik said that the increasing trend in the practice of temporary marriages in Tajikistan was a great disadvantage for women and girls and enabled sexual exploitation.  Although early child marriage was forbidden in law, the penalty alone was not enough to stop the practice.  Early religious marriage in combination with the possibility of quick religious divorce left girls brides with no rights.

The Vice-President  said that, based on the information provided, out of 203 received recommendations, 153 enjoyed the support of Tajikistan, 45 were noted and additional clarification had been provided on five recommendations.

JAMSHED KHAMIDOV, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Tajikistan to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said in his concluding remarks that Tajikistan had adopted a great number of recommendations, which showed its readiness to further work on human rights.  Tajikistan was ready for further cooperation in the implementation of its international obligations and thanked all the countries which had proposed their recommendations during the Universal Periodic Review process.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Tajikistan.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Tanzania

SIFUNI E. MCHOME, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs of Tanzania, said that Tanzania had received 227 recommendations in total, of which 130 had been accepted, 72 had been rejected, and 25 had been deferred for further consideration.  The outcome of consultations with both State and non-State actors had led to the status of the recommendations being presented to the Human Rights Council.  The accepted recommendations pertained to: international human rights instruments, the Constitution-making process, violence against women and children, strengthening the national human rights institution, the rights of persons with disabilities, rights of the elderly, free and fair elections, environmental protection, land rights, access to water, health and education, freedom of association and expression, anti-corruption measures, access to justice, prison conditions, the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030, international cooperation, training of law enforcement officers in human rights, anti-discrimination, the National Human Rights Action Plan, and adherence of national laws to international human rights standards. 

Details were given on Tanzania’s responses to recommendations related to the age of marriage and to persons with albinism.  Rejected recommendations had pertained to issues and matters contrary to the constitution, as well as religious and cultural beliefs, and involved recommendations on the abolition of the death penalty, same-sex relations, marital rape, indigenous people’s rights, and other issues.  Deferred recommendations had required further consultations with policy-makers, and had included issues such as access to information and freedom of expression, the right to health, thereunder abortion, corporal punishment, and election issues, among others.  Looking ahead, he said that the Government of Tanzania was prepared to fully implement the recommendations it had accepted.  The State would be looking for collaboration and support in the areas of human rights training and awareness raising programmes, and preparation and submission of human rights reports under relevant covenants and conventions, and the implementation of the national human rights action plan.   Some of Tanzania’s key national priorities were free basic education, combatting economic crimes, including tax evasion, and finalisation of the Constitutional Review Process.  Tanzania reaffirmed the State’s commitment to the Universal Periodic Review process.  

Republic of Congo congratulated Tanzania on the will demonstrated by the creation of institutions for the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.  Tanzania had instituted international instruments and mechanisms in order to cooperate with bodies at the regional and international level. 

Côte d’Ivoire commended the interest of Tanzania in the recommendations, expressing hope that their implementation would be successful.  Côte d’Ivoire noted Tanzania’s work to strengthen the rule of law and encouraged it to pursue full cooperation with the international community in that respect.

Cuba recognized the progress made by Tanzania in human rights promotion, including the increased number of women in management positions, the success of the constitutional reform, and the implementation of the National Action Plan for Human Rights.  It welcomed the fact that Tanzania had accepted recommendations made by Cuba concerning tax evasion and fiscal reform in order to fund development projects, as well as on national poverty reduction strategies. 

Djibouti appreciated the efforts deployed by Tanzania to promote and protect human rights, in particular the measures taken to promote the rights of persons with albinism.  Djibouti encouraged Tanzania to combat all forms of discrimination against women, notably female genital mutilation.

Egypt recognized the positive steps taken by Tanzania, including the completion of the elaboration of the new Constitution, and the adoption of the law on youth councils.  Egypt welcomed the acceptance of its recommendations, including for Tanzania to reform the penitentiary system.

Ethiopia welcomed the acceptance of its recommendations, including those to fight harmful traditional practices and to combat corruption, and called for the adoption of the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Tanzania.

Haiti regretted that the addendum of the report of the Working Group had been submitted late and hoped that Tanzania favourably accepted the majority of recommendations received, including six made by Haiti.

India commended Tanzania for the receptive and constructive manner in which it had participated in its Universal Periodic Review process during which it had received 227 recommendations.  Tanzania had gained much from its participation in the process and India hoped that  it would continue with its efforts to implement the recommendations it had accepted.

Kenya said that Tanzania had accepted 131 recommendations in addition to 107 recommendations it had supported during its previous Universal Periodic Review cycle.  Kenya noted with satisfaction the establishment of a National Human Rights Action Plan to assist Tanzania with the implementation of the recommendations.

Latvia regretted that Tanzania did not qualify marital rape as criminal behaviour, urging the country to ensure that victims of such violent behaviour obtained redress.  Latvia also regretted that Tanzania had not accepted its recommendation to extend a standing invitation to Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, as they had valuable experience in making a real difference in the realization of human rights on the ground.

Libya thanked Tanzania for its participation in the Universal Periodic Review process, including accepting recommendations made by Libya.  Positive progress had been made on increasing minimum wages, reflecting Tanzania’s positive interaction and its commitment to improving the situation for human rights in the country.

Maldives expressed great encouragement at Tanzania’s commitment to continuing improvement in access to safe drinking water, strengthening efforts to end child, early and forced marriages, and changing attitudes toward children with albinism.  The adoption of policies for education and social protection and against trafficking were also welcomed. 

Mali was pleased to note efforts taken by Tanzania in implementing recommendations, despite the difficult economic context.  Mali underlined progress made by Tanzania in terms of non-discrimination and in combatting witchcraft, among other progress made.  Mali encouraged the international community to continue its support to Tanzania and expressed hopes that the outcome report would be adopted.

Nigeria acknowledged Tanzania’s acceptance of the majority of recommendations provided during the review, and further acknowledged Tanzania’s efforts to promote human rights, especially its programmes for combatting poverty, which continued to be implemented.  Tanzania’s 15-year national development plan was commendable.  

Pakistan appreciated the decision of Tanzania to accept the majority of the recommendations.  Tajikistan’s will to promote human rights was evident from recent initiatives on the empowerment of women, ensuring the rights of the child, especially through free education and the elimination of child labour, and policy measures for the promotion of labour, including increases in wages.

Republic of Korea expressed hope that the recommendations, regardless of whether they enjoyed support or not, would contribute to Tanzania’s endeavour to improve the human rights situation in the country, and wished it success in their implementation.

Senegal welcomed the acceptance of most of the recommendations.  It commended the fact that public policy in social inclusion focused on healthcare, the fight against corruption, and the prevention of violence against women and children.     

Sierra Leone noted Tanzania’s anti-corruption plans, including the recent legislative measures to tackle corruption, various national plans to eliminate violence against women, anti-trafficking in persons and its national human rights action plan.

Rencontre Africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme appreciated the efforts to implement the recommendations accepted during the previous review, in particular  to empower women in the political arena, and address gender-based violence, especially the eradication of female genital mutilation.  Tanzania should invest in further efforts to criminalize violence against and persecution of albinos, and the practice of early and forced marriages.

Article 19 urged Tanzania to commit to ending the harassment of journalists reporting on malpractice and maladministration in public offices, including through the abuse of the 1962 Regions and Regional Commissioners Act.  The media were facing an increasingly restrictive environment and the 1976 Newspaper Act continued to be used to intimidate independent media and silence critical voices.

East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project remained concerned about the growing number of violations against human rights defenders who challenged the violation of land rights, civil and political rights, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons rights, who were regularly targeted by the State through arbitrary detention, judicial and administrative harassment, reprisals and office raids.

Human Rights Watch welcomed the removal of school fees and contributions in lower secondary education as of January 2016 as an important step to meeting the right to education for all.  Significant steps had been taken to combat the widespread problem of child marriage.  Some Tanzanians suffered serious abuse, being beaten by police and civilians, denied health care, and fired from their jobs, because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, sex worker status or drug use.

Centre for Reproductive Rights drew attention to the issue of inadequate access to safe abortions and post-abortion services in Tanzania.  It was estimated that 25 per cent of maternal deaths in the country were due to complications from unsafe abortions.  Adolescent girls were at particular risk of unsafe abortions, making up one third of abortion cases. 

Federatie van Nederlandse Verenigingen tot Integratie Van Homoseksualiteit - COC Nederland, in a joint statement with International Lesbian and Gay Association, noted that recent experience showed that civil society organizations working with key populations in Tanzania were denied formal registration and received threats of deregistration.  Hate speech by some political leaders fuelled violence against key populations and created a hostile environment. 

Jubilee Campaign, expressed concern over continuing restrictions on the right to freedom of religion or belief and the lack of recommendations relating to that right in Tanzania’s second Universal Periodic Review cycle.  The Muslim community had been targeted with violence, while the Christian community in the Zanzibar Archipelago also experienced discrimination and violence.  

The Vice-President said that, based on the information provided, out of 227 received recommendations, 131 enjoyed the support of Tanzania, 94 were noted and additional clarification had been provided on two recommendations.

SIFUNI E. MCHOME, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs of the United Republic of Tanzania, in his concluding remarks, welcomed the comments made by the participants in the dialogue and reiterated the commitment to continue the implementation of the recommendation it had accepted.  The Universal Periodic Review was a continuous process and Tanzania remained committed to continuing the dialogue concerning the recommendations it could not accept.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Tanzania.


For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC16/140E