Pemba residents encouraged to report human rights violations

ZANZIBAR: RESIDENTS of Pemba have been encouraged to report cases of human rights violations and breaches of good governance to the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) for appropriate action.

The call was made by a legal officer from CHRAGG’s Pemba branch Mr Mohammed Masoud, during a recent public awareness meeting held at Mlalashi village in Mjanaza Shehia, Wete District, North Pemba Region.

The event was organised by the Department of Constitution and Legal Affairs as part of a broader outreach campaign.

Mr Masoud explained that one of CHRAGG’s primary responsibilities is to receive and investigate complaints of human rights violations free of charge.

The Commission also educates the public on the importance of protecting rights and promoting good governance, especially in the leadup to the 2025 General Election.

He urged residents to not only safeguard their own rights but also to stand up for the rights of others, warning against harmful practices such as the informal resolution of sexual abuse cases within families.

“It has become common for rape cases to be resolved privately, sometimes forcing victims to marry their abusers. This is not only unjust, it is a crime under the law,” Mr Masoud emphasised.

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He encouraged residents to report such cases to CHRAGG’s office in Chake Chake, South Pemba, or through other official chan- nels whenever they feel their rights have been violated.

Opening the meeting, Mr Hamad Said Ali, Sheha of Mjanaza, welcomed the outreach efforts and said such engagement by legal experts is crucial for raising public awareness about citizens’ rights and the functions of CHRAGG.

Mr Bakari Ali Omar, head of the Constitutional and Legal Aid Division in Pemba, also encouraged residents to continue reporting issues to community-based legal officers, even after the outreach meetings end.

Similarly, a legal officer with the Department of Constitution and Legal Aid, Ms Salma Bakar Abdulla, said the goal of the campaign is to educate the public on the concept and historical foundations of human rights.

She noted that many rights violations in Pemba stem from a lack of awareness, which is why the department, in collaboration with UNDP, is engaging directly with communities.