Human Dignity
The inherent value of every person; to be respected unconditionally.
What are Human Rights?
Human rights are fundamental entitlements that every person deserves by virtue of being human — to live with dignity, free from discrimination, and to be protected against acts that degrade their humanity and equality.
All rights are set out in Regional and International Treaties, as well as the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977, Part Three — Rights and Duties, Articles 12 to 29.
Key Characteristics and Principles of Human Rights
The core principles that define how human rights are understood and applied.
Equality
All people are equal before the law and in accessing rights, opportunities and services.
Non-Discrimination
Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex, disability, ethnicity, religion, age, or economic status.
Universality
Rights belong to everyone, everywhere, and at all times, without conditions.
Interdependence
All rights are interconnected; the violation of one right affects the others.
Freedom
Every person has freedom of opinion, religion, expression, movement, and participation in community affairs.
Accountability
The Government is accountable for protecting, promoting, and preserving human rights; citizens are responsible for protecting each other's rights and reporting violations.
Categories of Human Rights
Human rights fall into several interconnected categories.
Civil and Political Rights
Rights protecting individual freedom, including the right to life, freedom of expression, freedom of worship, the right to a fair trial, freedom of thought, the right to political participation, and protection against torture or cruelty.
Social, Economic and Cultural Rights
The right to education, health, adequate housing, food, decent work, social security, and participation in cultural life.
Collective Rights (General Rights)
Rights concerning the welfare of society as a whole — including the right to development, a healthy environment, peace, self-determination, and international cooperation. These rights target communities, nations and groups rather than individuals alone.
Rights of Special Groups
Rights protecting the interests of children, youth, women, persons with disabilities, the elderly, prisoners, and refugees. These rights emphasise the inclusion of their specific needs in social services, development plans, and economic and political opportunities.
Rights Arising from Technological Development
Online privacy rights, data (information) protection, safe use of artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging rights arising from technological advancement.
Where to Report Human Rights Violations
Human rights violations can be reported through any of the following channels.
- Local Government Leaders, District Councils, Ministries or Government Institutions
- Department of Labour
- Commission for Mediation and Arbitration (CMA)
- Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG)
- Tanzania Police Force and Courts of Law
- e-Mrejesho (e-Feedback) System
- Customer Service Centre — Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs
Customer Service Centre — Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs
📞 026 2160360 | 0800 004 004
💬 WhatsApp: 0739 101 910
✉️ complaints@sheria.go.tz