The government approached the Universal Periodic Review process with an open spirit and sincerity as it recognizes its potential to bring about productive outcomes in the areas of development and poverty alleviation under the umbrella of human rights. The linkages between human rights, law and development have been captured by the Universal Periodic Review. - Interview with Ms. Nkasori Sarakikya, Office of the A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l ’s C h a m b e r, D i v i s i o n o f C o n s t i t u t i o n a l A f f a i r s a n d H u m a n R i g h t s, Ta n z a n i a
A bstract In 2011, Tanzania underwent its first Universal Periodic Review conducted by the United Nations Human Rights Council. This provided a valuable opportunity to address long-standing human rights issues in the country. However, challenges in engaging with the Universal Periodic Review process and leveraging these opportunities for the benefit of the population were multifold, in particular the lack of knowledge and experience and limited ability to ensure a transparent, inclusive and participatory process among national stakeholders.
The United Nations system, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator and supported by an inter-agency framework, was able to step in at the request of government to provide the required technical support to both State and civil society actors. It also mobilized a wide range of actors, including state officials from different rural areas, civil society, the media and the donor community, to engage in the Universal Periodic Review preparatory and review process, as well as to support implementation of its recommendations.
As a result, the Universal Periodic Review process became viewed as a credible process, representing the genuine views of Tanzanians. The recommendations provide a powerful framework to take forward human rights reform in Tanzania and for policy makers and development partners to draw upon in advocacy, policy and programming initiatives.
TANZANIA: The Universal Periodic Review : An Oppor tunity to Enhance R ights-Based Development Results
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