ACHPR investigates Ngorongoro and Loliondo evictions

Dar es Salaam. A mission of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, (ACHPR) has landed in the country to probe evictions of citizens from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Loliondo.

The mission has travelled to the country after the government invited it after rights groups, notably the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), tabled a human rights report at the ACHPR’s 73rd meeting in Banjul, Gambia, in 2022.

During the visit, the mission is expected to meet responsible ministry officials, leaders of community groups, civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights stakeholders who would be required to shed light on the situation of human rights in the country.

Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) executive secretary, Mr Patience Ntwina, said they were well informed about the visit.

“We have the information. ACHPR will be touring the country on the government’s invitation. CHTAGG will meet the delegation on January 27, 2023,” he said.

The ACHPR statement posted on its website says it is expected to carry its responsibilities in the country between January 23 and 27, 2023.

According to the statement, the visit was part of the commission’s activities as stipulated in Article 45(1) of the African Charter on the Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“The mission’s main objective is to seek information on and assess the situation of human rights of indigenous populations or communities in Tanzania, particularly to review the situation in Loliondo Area and Ngorongoro Park,” reads part of the statement.

Regarding the general objectives; ACHPR says in a statement that the visit aimed at promoting the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other regional human rights legal instruments.

This would be done through the exchange of views and sharing of experiences with the government and main stakeholders working in the field of human rights, on strategies to improve the enjoyment of human rights in the country.

“To advocate for the ratification of regional and international human rights legal instruments that have not been ratified by the country and to raise awareness of the commission’s activities, especially among the relevant government departments and CSOs,” reads part of the statement.

Others according to ACHPR are the follow up on recommendations given in the promotion mission to the country, which was conducted by the Commission in 2008 and the implementation of resolutions and press releases issued by the commission with regard to Tanzania.

“Another objective is to encourage the government to submit outstanding periodic reports and to participate regularly in the commission’s activities including scheduled sessions,” reads another part of the statement.

“Also, seeking information on thematic human rights issues of particular concern to commissioners undertaking the mission including freedom of expression, access to information and the rights of persons living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in the country,” adds the report.

For his part, THRDC national coordinator Onesmo Olengurumwa expressed optimism that the commissions’ obligations would be fulfilled. He said at the end of the visit, the mission will issue a brief report to Tanzania authorities. “A comprehensive report will then be submitted before the commission for review and approval for the commission’s future use,” he said.

“Those coordinating the visit should ensure the delegation meets well informed individuals in Loliondo Area and Ngorongoro National Park including leaders of communities, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and rights defenders,” he added.