HON. MATHIAS M. CHIKAWE (MP) MINISTER OF STATE, PRESIDENT’S OFFICE – GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE 19TH SESSION OF THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, GENEVA – SWITZERLAND

The UN Human Rights Council has on 14th March 2012 adopted the United Republic of Tanzania’s Universal Periodic Review Outcome. This adoption was a result of the Tanzania’s National Human Rights Report submitted in October 2011 and the Working Group Session for the review of the human rights situation in Tanzania which was conducted in October 2011.

During the Working Group Session Tanzania received 153 recommendations in total clustered in a number of thematic issues. 96 recomendations were agreed, 4 recomendations did enjoy Tanzania’s support, while 53 were deferred for further consideration.

The recommendations which did not enjoy Tanzania’s support pertain to issues of homosexuality, abolition of bride price and poligamy.

During the adoption of UPR outcome, Hon Chikawe assured the UN Human Rights Council that Tanzania will continue to honour its human rights obligation by among other things reporting regulary to the sessions of the Council and other Treaty Bodies.

Hon Chikawe stressed that the Government is determined to engage civil society and other relevant stakeholders in the process of implementation of the UPR recommendations.