THRDC: Tanzania steps up preparations for 4th UPR review

Tanzania is in an advanced stage of preparing for its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) before the United Nations Human Rights Council, scheduled for October and November 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) is actively coordinating civil society efforts to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information on the country's human rights situation. This review is critical as it assesses Tanzania's fulfillment of its human rights obligations and the implementation of recommendations from previous cycles, with concerns remaining regarding the effectiveness of past commitments, particularly concerning civic space and fundamental freedoms.

The United Republic of Tanzania is poised for a significant international human rights assessment as it enters a critical phase of preparations for its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) before the United Nations Human Rights Council. This peer-review mechanism, which scrutinizes the human rights records of all UN member states, will convene in Geneva, Switzerland, between October and November 2026 to evaluate Tanzania's progress and challenges. The upcoming review holds particular importance for legal practitioners and human rights advocates, as it will highlight areas of legislative reform, policy implementation, and judicial adherence to international human rights standards. The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), a key civil society actor, is at the forefront of these preparations, facilitating multi-stakeholder engagements to ensure that the international community receives accurate and comprehensive information on the ground.

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique, state-driven process established in 2006 by the UN General Assembly under Resolution 60/251, through which the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States are reviewed every 4.5 years. The review aims to assess the fulfillment of human rights commitments and obligations as set out in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international human rights instruments to which the State is a party. The process is based on three key documents: a national report prepared by the State under review, a compilation of UN information by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and a summary of information from other stakeholders, including national human rights institutions and civil society organizations. During a 3.5-hour interactive dialogue, UN member states pose questions and make recommendations, which are then included in an outcome document for the State to consider. Tanzania's domestic human rights framework is primarily anchored in the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977 (as amended), particularly Part III, Articles 12 to 32, which constitute the Bill of Rights. These provisions guarantee fundamental rights such as equality before the law, freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of association, and the right to privacy. However, the practical application and enforcement of these constitutional guarantees are often scrutinized in light of specific legislative enactments and their implementation.

Tanzania's engagement with the UPR mechanism has seen it accept numerous recommendations in previous cycles. In its third cycle review in 2021, Tanzania accepted 108 recommendations, though an assessment by THRDC indicates that less than 10% have been fully implemented, with more than half inadequately addressed or only partially implemented. This highlights a persistent gap between commitment and practical realization, which is expected to be a central theme of the upcoming fourth review. Key areas of concern frequently raised by civil society and international bodies include restrictions on civic space, particularly affecting freedom of expression, assembly, and association. Legislative instruments such as the Cybercrimes Act of 2015 (Cap. 443 R.E. 2023), the Media Services Act of 2016 (Act No. 12 of 2016), and the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations of 2020 and 2025 have been criticized for containing vague provisions that criminalize legitimate expression and grant broad powers to authorities to suspend or revoke licenses, leading to a chilling effect on journalists, bloggers, and activists. The East African Court of Justice, in a case filed by Tanzanian NGOs including THRDC, found multiple sections of the Media Services Act, 2016, to violate press freedom and freedom of expression, directing Tanzania to bring the law into compliance with the East African Community Treaty. Furthermore, the Non-Governmental Organizations Act of 2002 (Cap. 56 R.E. 2023) and its subsequent regulations have been cited for imposing stringent registration, reporting, and funding requirements that can impede the operational independence of NGOs. Instances of arbitrary arrests, detention, torture, and ill-treatment of human rights defenders and political opponents, as well as internet shutdowns, particularly during election periods, continue to be reported, indicating a pattern of serious violations. The lack of ratification of key international human rights instruments, such as the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, also remains a point of international scrutiny. Civil society organizations, coordinated by THRDC, are playing a crucial role in compiling stakeholder reports, engaging with UN member states, and advocating for the implementation of recommendations, reflecting a strengthened engagement compared to previous cycles.

The upcoming fourth UPR review presents a critical opportunity for Tanzania to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and address long-standing concerns. For legal practitioners, this period necessitates a keen awareness of the evolving human rights landscape, particularly concerning the interpretation and application of laws impacting civic freedoms. Attorneys should be prepared to challenge restrictive legislation and advocate for reforms that align domestic laws with international human rights standards and the country's constitutional guarantees. The outcomes of the UPR, including accepted recommendations, will provide a roadmap for future advocacy and litigation efforts. Practitioners should closely monitor the government's national report, the OHCHR compilation, and stakeholder submissions, as well as the interactive dialogue and the final outcome report. Continued engagement with civil society organizations like THRDC will be vital in pushing for accountability and ensuring that the accepted recommendations translate into tangible improvements in human rights protection and promotion across Tanzania. The effectiveness of this UPR cycle will ultimately be measured by the concrete steps taken by the Tanzanian government to implement its commitments and foster a more open and rights-respecting society.