Overview of Human Rights in Tanzania

The human rights record in Tanzania is poor, despite some improvements made in recent years. The security forces arbitrarily arrest and detain opposition supporters and politicians. Torture and other abuses are committed against detainees and prisoners. Unlawful killings are also committed either at the behest of the government or otherwise with impunity. The government also uses the security forces to infringe on citizens’ privacy by monitoring their movements and personal communications. Prison conditions and refugee camp conditions are harsh and sometimes inhumane. The government restricts the freedoms of assembly, association, movement, speech, and press. There are also restrictions placed on the right of asylum and other rights of refugees. Child abuse, child labor, human trafficking, and large scale official corruption are other areas of concern.

Human Development Index (HDI) Rank:

162nd out of 177

Note: Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures the level of well-being of nations in the world. It uses factors such as poverty, literacy, life-expectancy, education, gross domestic product, and purchasing power parity to assess the average achievements in each nation. It has been used in the United Nation’s Human Development Report since 1993.