ONE the most fundamental factors that makes a country maintain peace and tranquility is the observance of good governance which evades denial of human rights.

Good governance is the process of managing public resources and affairs in a way that is free of corruption and abuse. It also ensures that human rights are respected and the rule of law is followed in accordance with the laid down principles.

Tanzania is among the 195 countries in the world which has maintained high level of peace and tranquility within its territorial integrity and that’s a reason why it maintains rights of people without discrimination regardless of its people’s regions and political affiliations.

The country observed 40 years of human rights activism that was climaxed on December 10th last year with different perspectives that gave hope sadness and disappointment for some citizens of the concerned countries.

The International Human Rights Day is celebrated worldwide on a specific day of the year calendar to raise awareness and promote respect for the rights and freedoms in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which started officially in 1984. 

This date was chosen in honor of its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly to allow nations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to work and advocate for human rights also organize special events to commemorate the day.

As the world continues to observe this day on annual basis, the United Nations Human Rights office has expressed its grave concerns over the ongoing increase of human rights violations in some countries. 

That is why the annual celebration of ethics and rights, along with the advocacy for human rights is important for society and the governments. Despite having this special commemoration, it also defends and upholds rights and good governance in the world.

However, unlike previous anniversaries, in 2024 the celebrations took place with youths being called to be in the forefront to robustly defend human rights as they are the most active segment spearing economic activities in societies. 

The essence of this day is to educate and inspire people based on the intrinsic value of each human being and to remind society of the progress made so far in promoting respect for all human dignity, against slavery and the oppression of individual rights.

Human rights abuse is when someone's rights are ignored, harmed, denied and not given proper respects in accordance with the laws governing independent countries in the world. This can also include severe actions which lead to deaths.

Violation of the basic rights of people by treating them wrongly causes confusion to affected individuals who in one way or another become victims and most sufferers of all these forms of human abuses.

In wider perspectives, any country Tanzania included which does not follow the rule of law is automatically subjected to the denial of basic and fundamental human rights to its citizens for unknown reasons. 

Human rights violations can be committed by state or non-state actors. They can occur even if violations committed aren't incorporated into both national laws or in civil law jurisdictions. This causes public outcry, annoyance, harm, or injury to another person and that is why most governments across the globe have been accused of human rights abuses.

Examples of human rights abuse are many, some of these includes unsafe working conditions that lead to injuries, discrimination that divides people and leads to conflict, indiscriminate killings, torture, sexual harassments, kidnappings and denial of basic social needs such as housing, medical treatment, education food and clothing.

In recent years, bad actions of human rights violations in many nations around the world have manifested itself through illegal acts of kidnapping which have significantly increased alongside other related types of such violations.

Tanzania as a member of United Nations has in recent months been affected by these malpractices that emerged in some parts in the country unexpectedly and at different times a factor that caused anxiety and fear among civilians. 

However, the police force managed to curb the phenomenon and restore the situation into normalcy. In some countries the situation has become a menace to their citizens.

Apart from cases linked to abductions, there are certain tragic incidents such as denial of proper medical treatment which are always exacerbated by acts of corruptions among the medical personnel.

A typical example is an incident that occurred to one resident of Magugu, Babati District, Juliana Obedy (44), who lost her life after health workers at the Magugu health center were reportedly delaying her treatment at the facility after she was bitten by a venomous snake. 

This incident, which is a violation of human rights, was caused by negligence, and so far, three people were dismissed from their jobs for allegedly delaying her treatment for six hours as they insisted to be paid 150,000/- first.

A statement released to the public by Acting Executive Director of the Babati District Council, Benedict Ntabagi, identified three service providers from the Magugu health center who have been suspended pending an investigation as a medical officer in charge, an assistant nurse, and a pharmaceutical technician. 

The statement further explained that according to the National Health Policy of 2007 and its guidelines, special groups including pregnant women, children under five, and disabled elderly individuals are entitled to receive free medical treatment in all government hospitals in the country.

As if that is not enough incidences related to gender-based arte increasing enormously in various parts in the country despite having punitive measures in place, perpetrators are not afraid at all. 

Last week, President Samia Suluhu urged citizens to report incidents of this type of violence to law enforcers so that the government can take action and eradicate such acts in the country. 

The move was inspired by Vice President Dr. Mpango in his address when he represented the Head of State at the celebrations to mark the 25th year of the association of women’s judges and magistrates in the country. 

Dr Mpango was of the view that, the association has contributed to amending laws, including those to prevent and combat corruption, and has added a provision concerning with the increased sexual bribery to curb the abuse of power that is also among the violation of human rights at work places.

The VP called on magistrates and judges to address cases of gender-based violence in mainland Tanzania as well as in the islands of Zanzibar.

Another issue concerning human rights is the matter related to married couples, of which the head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, Bishop Alex Malasusa, highlighted recently in Arusha.

According to the Bishop, there are increased acts of divorces among couples in various local communities which are not in line with religious beliefs. This is due to one partner not being committed to entering into marriage, and that some have been forced to marry each other an aspect that contributes to many marriages not lasting longer. 

Malasusa made theremarks while opening a workshop for journalists on child marriage. He was concerned that various reports indicate an increase in divorces and as religious leaders, the situation is troublesome for them.