A NEW report has revealed that approximately 69.4 percent of workers in the country are employed without formal contracts from their employers.

The 10th Business and Human Rights Report launched by the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) in Dar es Salaam yesterday also found that women and people with disabilities are main victims of human rights violations in the business sector, particularly in accessing employment and services tailored to their needs.

The report shows a 4.8 percent increase in labour and employment opportunities compared to the 64.6 percent reported in the previous year, 2021/2022.

 It indicates that only 37 percent of workers are aware of the existence of trade unions in the country. Other issues reported include unfair dismissal contrary to national procedures and laws, lack of benefits from social security funds and wages not aligned with current cost of living.

Speaking at the launch, LHRC Executive Director Dr Anna Henga noted that despite the existence of relevant policies and laws, their implementation remains a challenge and the needs of vulnerable groups are not adequately prioritised.

Regarding land ownership rights, the report found that only 16 percent of citizens are aware of community land rights, particularly for investment purposes.

“Delays in compensation payments, land valuation that does not reflect the cost of living and inadequate community participation in land acquisition for investment activities, especially in areas with extractive industries, are major challenges identified in the report,” she said.

The report also identifies ongoing environmental challenges, including air and land pollution. Dr Henga noted that many companies lack effective environmental policies to preserve and restore the environment after investment activities, with approximately 46 percent of businesses having environmental conservation policies.

However, around 56 percent of community members acknowledged benefiting from companies' corporate social responsibility contributions in education and health sectors. Despite this, companies are reported to be among the worst offenders in terms of violating labour, employment and environmental rights.

The report details the status of human rights in the business sector and is the outcome of research conducted by LHRC through its human rights violation monitoring programme in collaboration with other key stakeholders.

 It also examines various national and international reports focusing on the state of human rights in the business sector and companies operating in Tanzania.

Chairman of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), Judge (rtd)  Mathew Mwaimu, acknowledged that while there have been efforts to address human rights challenges in the business and investment sectors, issues persist.

Judge Mwaimu noted that last year, both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar tasked CHRAGG with coordinating preparation of a national action plan on human rights and business, expected to be completed by the end of this year.

He emphasised that the government was making significant efforts to create a conducive environment for business and investment, contributing to the country’s rapid economic growth, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

Katusime Kafanabo, Head of Education Department at Tanzania Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (TPAWU), highlighted ongoing challenges regarding women's rights on plantations, especially in employment matters as many workers are unaware of their rights.

Kafanabo urged workers in agriculture and plantations to join trade unions to better address their rights and welfare issues.