UN raises concern over human rights violations by Tanzania government – Jurist.org

Report on Post-Election Unrest in Tanzania and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary of the Human Rights Situation

The United Nations Human Rights Office has issued a formal statement expressing serious concern over events in Tanzania following the general election on October 29. The situation presents a significant challenge to the nation’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to peace, justice, and human rights.

• Reports indicate that at least 10 individuals were killed by security forces during election-related protests.
• The opposition has rejected the official election results, leading to widespread protests and a subsequent crackdown by authorities.
• The government has imposed a nationwide communications blackout, severely restricting internet access.

Violations in the Context of SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The reported actions by Tanzanian authorities are in direct contravention of the principles enshrined in SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

1. Erosion of Peace and Security (SDG Target 16.1): The killing of at least 10 protesters by security forces in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro represents a severe setback for the goal of significantly reducing all forms of violence and related death rates.
2. Failure of Rule of Law and Access to Justice (SDG Target 16.3): The pre-election arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders and the alleged enforced disappearances of dissenting voices undermine the rule of law and the goal of ensuring equal access to justice for all.
3. Lack of Accountable Institutions (SDG Target 16.6): The use of firearms and teargas to disperse protesters and the systematic suppression of dissent point to a lack of accountability and transparency within state institutions, which is contrary to the objective of developing effective and accountable institutions.

Infringement on Fundamental Freedoms and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The crackdown on civil liberties not only violates international human rights covenants but also undermines SDG 10, which calls for reducing inequality within and among countries by promoting the political inclusion of all citizens.

• Violation of Access to Information (SDG Target 16.10): The widespread restriction of internet access without official justification is a direct violation of the right to public access to information and fundamental freedoms.
• Suppression of Political Inclusion (SDG Target 10.2): The repression of political opposition and the violent dispersal of protests actively hinder the political inclusion of all citizens, which is a core target of SDG 10.

International Response and Call to Action

The international community, through the UN Human Rights Office and other organizations like Amnesty International, has called on the Tanzanian government to adhere to its international obligations, which are foundational to achieving the global goals. This engagement reflects the importance of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in holding member states accountable.

• The UN has called for an immediate investigation into the deaths and injuries.
• A primary demand is for the authorities to promptly reinstate internet access to facilitate citizens’ full enjoyment of their rights.
• The UN urges Tanzania to uphold its commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, thereby reaffirming its commitment to the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The article’s central theme revolves around the breakdown of peace, justice, and institutional integrity in Tanzania following an election. It details a “violent crackdown,” the killing of protestors by security forces, “arbitrary arrest of opposition leaders,” and the “enforced disappearance of dissenting voices.” These events directly contradict the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective, accountable institutions.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• The article mentions a “nationwide communications blackout” and “widespread restriction of internet access.” This action directly impacts the infrastructure pillar of SDG 9, specifically concerning access to information and communications technology (ICT). The UN’s call to “promptly reinstate access to the internet” underscores the importance of this infrastructure for citizen rights and participation.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
  • This target is directly relevant as the article reports that “at least 10 people were killed” and others suffered “injuries” during the election-related protests due to the use of “firearms and teargas” by security forces.
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
  • The article highlights that the government’s actions “violate Tanzania’s obligations under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.” The “systematic suppression of dissent” and “arbitrary arrest” point to a failure to uphold the rule of law and provide equal justice.
• Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
  • This target is addressed through the mention of the “nationwide communications blackout” and “widespread restriction of internet access,” which curtails public access to information. Furthermore, the “arbitrary arrest of opposition leaders” and “enforced disappearance of dissenting voices” represent a severe violation of fundamental freedoms.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries.
  • The government’s imposition of an internet blackout is a direct regression from this target. The UN’s specific demand to “promptly reinstate access to the internet” shows that the lack of access is a key issue of international concern, linking infrastructure to human rights.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

Indicators for SDG 16

• Indicator 16.1.1 (Implied): Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population.
  • The article provides a direct data point for this indicator by stating, “Credible reports we have received indicate that at least 10 people were killed.” This number serves as a direct measure of violent deaths.
• Indicator 16.10.1 (Implied): Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists and human rights defenders.
  • The article implies this indicator by reporting on the “arbitrary arrest of opposition leaders, such as the Chadema party leader” and the “reported enforced disappearance of dissenting voices, including the country’s former ambassador to Cuba.” These are specific cases that could be tracked under this indicator.

Indicators for SDG 9

• Indicator 9.c.1 (Implied): Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology.
  • While the physical infrastructure may exist, the “nationwide communications blackout” and “widespread restriction of internet access” indicate that the proportion of the population with *functional* access was deliberately reduced to near zero. Measuring the duration and scope of this blackout would be a way to track progress (or lack thereof) toward this target.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: jurist.org