AS the continent commemorates Africa Human Rights Day (AHRD) 2024, the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has reflected on alarming human rights violations, particularly violence against children in the country.

Addressing reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday, LHRC’s Executive Director Dr Anna Henga said that recent reports indicate a rise in incidents of violence against children, with boys emerging as the most frequent victims.

“Incidents of violence against children have increased in recent years, with 45 percent of these cases affecting boys. The predominant forms include sexual violence, particularly rape and sodomy, as well as physical violence, including attacks, abductions, and killings,” she said.

Dr Henga noted that girls account for over two-thirds of rape victims, with reported incidents rising from 6,827 in 2022 to 8,691 in 2023. Overall, the Tanzania Police Force documented 15,301 incidents of violence against children last year, up from 11,499 in 2021.

In 2024, violence against children, including abductions and killings continued to be widespread, with children constituting nearly half of all documented human rights violations.

Dr Henga identified several contributing factors to this violence, including social acceptance, family protection of perpetrators, gaps in legislation, insufficient funding, and coordination challenges in addressing the issue. “As Africa commemorates AHRD, it is disheartening to see these acts increasing in Tanzania. The community must take action, as many violators are individuals close to us, and these acts occur within our homes,” she urged.

In addition to violence against children, Dr Henga mentioned other human rights violations, such as beatings, abductions, and even people being burned alive. She stressed the importance of public education through legal centers nationwide, with the media playing a vital role in this effort.

Reflecting on AHRD, Dr. Henga acknowledged the broader challenges facing the continent, including climate change, wars, and political conflicts. She pointed out that Tanzania has yet to ratify critical treaties, such as the African Charter on Democracy and Governance and the Maputo Protocol on Gender.

The LHRC also condemned the recent abduction of Aisha Machano, the National Spokesperson for the Chadema’s Women’s Wing (BAWACHA).

Machano reported being ambushed by individuals claiming to be police officers, resulting in her arrest, torture, and subsequent hospitalization. The police have confirmed the incident and are investigating.

“LHRC strongly condemns the arrest and injury of innocent Tanzanians, especially women involved in politics during this election period. Such acts are unacceptable and violate international treaties to which Tanzania is a signatory,” she said.

Dr Henga called for law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice.

She also mentioned reports of unlawful arrests of political party leaders, confirming that regional police commanders have acknowledged these incidents. She referenced the recent arrests of Chadema leaders Rhoda Kunchele and Frank Nyalusi, the latter of whom was later released on bail.

“LHRC urges authorities to comply with the law when making arrests and ensure individuals are brought to court within the legally mandated time frame,” she said.

AHRD is observed annually on October 21 to celebrate the adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, also known as the Banjul Charter, by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1981. The day serves to promote and protect human rights across the continent, advocating for equality, justice and freedom.