The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Network (THRDC), together with the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU), the East African Lawyers Association (EALS) and the Zanzibar Women Lawyers Association (ZAFELA), continues to implement a National Campaign to promote Constitutional compliance. The campaign aims to strengthen the rule of law, protect human rights and improve access to justice in Tanzania. It also involves lawyers' associations, civil society organizations (CSOs), higher education institutions, legal experts, and media representatives. The campaign is held under the slogan: «Strengthening respect for the Constitution, human rights and access to justice for all».
According to the organizers, the campaign was launched in June 2026 in Dodoma and is being implemented in both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Its purpose is to raise citizens' awareness of the importance of the Constitution, strengthen the foundations of democracy and good governance, and promote respect for fundamental human rights.
Some representatives of the legal sector and civil society point out that the campaign is being conducted against the background of the need to further strengthen cooperation between the Government, legal institutions, civil society and the population in protecting constitutional principles and the rule of law.
Executive Director of the organization «Actions for Democracy and Local Self-Government» (ADLG) James Luhende notes that the working conditions of non-governmental organizations in the country still require attention and improvement. The issues of freedom of expression and citizens' participation in national affairs remain relevant, so holding discussion platforms is important. Such events allow representatives of different groups to discuss existing problems and possible solutions.
Mercy Kessy, Program Director of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), reports that the organization continues to cooperate with the Government, Parliament and the judicial system, including on the preparation of proposals to amend legislation aimed at strengthening the justice system. According to her, TLS participates in the process of legal reforms, providing expert advice at the request of government institutions.
Barnabas Nyalusi, a member of the TLS, noted that the campaign will help raise awareness among citizens about the importance of observing the Constitution and laws peacefully. «We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this campaign, as it will help our members promote constitutional compliance without conflict with law enforcement».
The organizers of the campaign identified three priority areas: recognition and protection of human rights defenders, promotion of media freedom and freedom of expression, as well as strengthening the enforcement of judicial decisions and promoting reforms of laws affecting citizens' rights. In the area of legal reforms, the campaign will monitor the enforcement of court decisions under various laws, including the Law on Registration of Births and Deaths (BRADEA), the Law on Marriage and other acts related to the protection of fundamental human rights.
In the future, the campaign will become a platform for strengthening inclusive dialogue between the government, legal institutions, civil society, journalists and citizens. They call on government agencies, development partners, civil society, the legal community, educational institutions, and the media to actively participate in the campaign to build a society that respects the Constitution, protects human rights, and strengthens the rule of law in the country.
