Abstract
This paper deals with the relations and tensions between religion(s) on one hand and state/government on the other regarding human rights in Tanzania?—And what has to be done to improve those relations? In order to find a solution to this problem the context and composition of religion(s) and state/government in Tanzania are investigated through the times considering their relation to human rights.
So far it can be stated that Tanzania is well aware of the basic human rights just like most countries and agrees in principle on an advancing human rights culture. However, Tanzanian society on the whole rather falls short of meeting the standards of human rights. Several reasons are responsible for that: static and unchanging beliefs, diverse traditions and cultures of about 120 ethnic groups, jurisdictions, politics, etc.
The local language ‘Swahili’ and a community based tradition have, however, been proven to be a unifying factor in the country, and they could, if well utilised, be vital for communicating and advancing a human rights culture in the right direction through dialogue.
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Notes
- 1.
‘Maputo Protocol’ is the name given to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in African and was adopted on the 11th day of July 2003 by Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) during the Second Ordinary Summit of the AU convened in Maputo, Mozambique. For the Protocol to enter into force fifteen ratifications are required. However, as of May 2004 only Comoros had ratified the Protocol while other 28 countries including Tanzania have signed the document.
- 2.
Tanzania imposes death penalty in capital offences such as murder cases, treason, and military offences. The following legislation apply: Sect. 197 of the Penal Code, Cap 16 of the Laws of Tanzania; Sect. 39–40 of the Penal Code, Cap 16 of the Laws of Tanzania and The National Defense Act, Cap 192 of the R.E 2002 Laws of Tanzania respectively (LHRC 2012, 12–16).
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Fumbo, C. (2015). Human Rights from a Tanzanian Perspective. In: Ziebertz, HG., Črpić, G. (eds) Religion and Human Rights. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09731-2_15
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