Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Volker Türk, has expressed confidence in Tanzania’s ability to address recent challenges constructively, praising the government’s commitment to dialogue, reconciliation and respect for the rule of law.
Türk’s statement came after the Tanzanian delegation, led by Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, conveyed a special message from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, to him.
Speaking during highlevel consultations in Geneva, Switzerland, the UN rights chief welcomed the opportunity for direct engagement with Tanzanian leaders, commending President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s decision to establish an Independent Commission of Inquiry into post-election events.
Mr Türk acknowledged that the incidents witnessed in Tanzania were exceptional in nature, saying the establishment of an independent investigative mechanism provides an important platform for establishing facts and addressing concerns in a transparent manner.
He stressed that the independence of the Commission is crucial in fostering public confidence and ensuring credible outcomes that can guide the nation forward.
The High Commissioner further emphasised that the path ahead should focus on rebuilding trust, national healing and reconciliation, alongside legal and institutional reforms grounded in the rule of law.
He expressed optimism that Tanzania has the capacity and institutional strength to address the challenges at hand, noting that the country’s active engagement with international human rights mechanisms in Geneva places it in a strong position for constructive cooperation.
On his part, Ambassador Kombo noted that some narratives circulating internationally regarding Tanzania are inaccurate and are deliberately misrepresented.
He highlighted measures already being undertaken by the government and assured the High Commissioner that Tanzania is awaiting the findings of the Independent Commission of Inquiry, which is expected to shed light on the root causes of the violence and propose measures to prevent recurrence.
The minister also praised the longstanding positive relations between Tanzania and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressing readiness to explore new areas of cooperation, including technical assistance programmes.
He extended an invitation to Mr Türk to visit Tanzania at a mutually convenient time to further strengthen collaboration.
Minister of State in the President’s Office – Special Duties, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, reaffirmed Tanzania’s strong commitment to peace, tolerance, democracy and human rights.
He described the incidents as regrettable and exceptional, emphasising that they do not reflect Tanzania’s overall human rights record.
Prof Kabudi reiterated that human rights are firmly guaranteed under Tanzania’s Constitution and called for international support to help the government efforts aimed at rebuilding trust, healing divisions and strengthening national cohesion.
In a separate engagement, Ambassador Kombo and Prof Kabudi met with Permanent Representatives of countries serving on the UN Human Rights Council.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Tanzania to present factual context on the post-election developments, outline steps taken by the government and reaffirm its commitment to human rights, good governance and the rule of law under President Samia’s leadership.
Minister Kombo emphasised that the violence and unrest were unexpected and uncharacteristic of Tanzania’s long-standing tradition of respect for human dignity and human rights principles.
He noted that the government, like members of the Human Rights Council, is keen to understand the root causes of the incidents and implement concrete measures to prevent similar occurrences in future.
Among the measures highlighted were the establishment of a dedicated ministry responsible for youth welfare under the President’s Office, formation of the Commission of Inquiry, preparations for a national reconciliation process and steps towards constitutional review.
On youth empowerment, Ambassador Kombo outlined initiatives such as entrepreneurship training, skills development programmes, concessional loans, tax incentives for companies employing young people, facilitation of overseas employment opportunities and the establishment of innovation hubs.
Prof Kabudi added that Tanzania values human dignity and has consistently protected human rights, noting that many countries are aware of the nation’s clean record in this area.
He also pointed to the negative effects of globalisation, including the misuse of social media to incite violence, as a challenge facing many countries across Africa and beyond.
In their interventions, members of the Human Rights Council commended Tanzania for its timely and open engagement and welcomed the clarifications provided by ministers.
