UPR Sexual Rights Database

National Report:
Para 35) The Proposed Constitution considers women rights and provides women with equal rights as men on inheritance, succession and land issues. The State will embark on amendment of the to laws to enhance equality between men, women and children in succession, inheritance and land issues when the Proposed Constitution is adopted.

Para 36) Currently, the Land Act No. 4 of 1999, the Village Land Act No. 5 of 1999 provide women with the right to own land and participate on equal basis with men, in land decision making bodies. In Tanzania Zanzibar, the Land Tenure Act No. 12 of 1992 provides for similar provisions while the Land Tribunal Act No. 7 of 1994 establishes the Land Tribunal which enforces the provisions of the Land Tenure Act, thereby guaranteeing equality of men and women in land ownership and use. There is also a Registered Land Act No. 10 of 1990 which provides for the appointment of a Land Registrar. It is also worth to state that the current Land Registrar is a woman.

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.