Submitted by jhortolani on
This report is part of CRIN's access to justice for children project, looking at the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in national law, the status of children involved in legal proceedings, the legal means to challenge violations of children’s rights and the practical considerations involved in challenging violations.
Tanzania ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1991, but it did not incorporate it into national law until 2009. Although international law does not take precedence over national law in Tanzania, the Child Act (2009) repealed and replaced any laws which are incompatible with the CRC. This allows the CRC to be indirectly enforceable in national courts. A child can bring claims to court through their guardian or next friend. Violations of child rights can be challenged through the High Court, Juvenile Court or the Commission of Human Rights and Good Governance. The Tanzanian government does not provide any legal aid services but the Ministry of Legal Affairs is currently working on establishing such a system. Tanzania has several non-governmental organisations that provide free or low-cost legal aid. The government has established a Women and Children Desk in every police station for the protection against abuse, neglect or any violations of laws concerning women and children.
