UPR Sexual Rights Database

National Report:
Para 75) ... On 15th May 2014, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania inaugurated the Maternal Strategic Plan 2014/2020 aiming at reducing maternal mortality. Other State efforts include building 9,997 health facilities in every Ward and opening 64 cervical cancer diagnosis centres in 16 Regions in Tanzania Mainland and 2 in Tanzania Zanzibar. Equipment was purchased for the centers and 213 health personnel were trained on their use. Awareness raising campaigns have been held to encourage women to deliver in hospitals, as a result the number of women giving birth in hospitals has increased from 56.6% in 2013 to 68.3% in 2014.

UN Compilation:
Para 53) According to information before the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, there has been limited progress in reducing the maternal mortality rate. UNCT stated that the major causes of maternal mortality were preventable and attributable to the poor quality of health services, including the unavailability of skilled providers and essential equipment, as well as geographical inaccessibility. It noted the development of a road map for 2016-2020 to accelerate the reduction of preventable maternal, newborn and child mortality and to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health ...

Stakeholder Summary:
Para 76) CRR stated that at the 2011 review, Tanzania had supported recommendations to significantly reduce the maternal mortality rate, but remained far from achieving the maternal mortality ratio of 193 deaths per 100 000 live births set by the Millennium Development Goals.

National Report:
Para 43) Section 169A of The Penal Code [Cap 16 RE 2002] criminalizes Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) of girls under the age of 18 years in Tanzania Mainland. Also, the National Plan of Action for Prevention and Eradication of FGM 2001-2015 is designated for review in 2016 while the National Plan of Action to Accelerate the Eradication of FGM and Other Harmful Traditional Practices and the National Human Rights Action Plan 2013-2017 are operational. Further, the National Policy on Childhood Care and Development which addressed FGM is at the validation and approval stages.

Para 44) FGM cases are being successfully prosecuted in the criminal justice system as a result of awareness raising and capacity building. Programmes for alternative sources of income for those who perform FGM as means of livelihood have been devised and the State in collaboration with CSO's continues the implementation of the 'Stop Female Genital Mutilation' campaign which is changing people's attitudes towards FGM

Para 45) All killings are criminalized under Section 196 of the Penal Code [Cap 16 Re 2002] as murder. The State is in the process of reviewing the Witchcraft Act Cap, 18 and the Traditional and Alternative Medicines Act, No. 23 of 2012 with a view of using the legislation to combat witchcraft and witchcraft killings. The State also continues to register traditional healers and places parameters to their activities. Further, the NHRAP promotes rights of the elderly by addressing issues of witchcraft associated killings. The National Aging policy of 2003 is being reviewed and a Bill is being prepared to protect the elderly. Further, 17 safe homes for elderly persons have been established to support survivors of witchcraft killings

UN Compilation:
Para 22) UNCT stated that, in its efforts to address harmful cultural and traditional customs and practices, such as female genital mutilation, polygamy and the bride price, the United Republic of Tanzania had continued to strengthen the implementation of the Zanzibar Penal Act (2004) and the Penal Code (applicable on the mainland), both of which criminalized female genital mutilation. The State had also carried out public awareness-raising campaigns and media programmes in an effort to eliminate female genital mutilation.