NJOMBE: THE Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) has called on parents all over Tanzania to prioritise their children’s rights to education by sending them to schools and refrain from exposing them to early marriage for financial gains.
Parents were advised to ensure that they pass on education to their children as a fundamental right for their future regarding knowledge as key to brighter future.
The call was made recently by the CHRAGG Commissioner, Dr Thomas Masanja while addressing the public at a meeting held in the National Housing area, Njombe Urban District.
The commission camped in the Njombe region to educate and raise public awareness and understanding of human rights while also offering legal support and educating the community about the importance of human rights and principles of good governance.
“There are some parents who deny their children the right to education and marry them off at young age for the purpose of earning money. Such actions are unacceptable and it is a serious violation of the laws,” said Dr Masanja.
Dr Masanja also encouraged citizens to actively engage in the upcoming general election, highlighting their right to participate fully as guaranteed by the Constitution.
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“According to Article 21 of 1977 United Republic of Tanzania Constitution, citizens are mandated to participate in leadership activities, whether by voting or being elected,” he said.
Local government leaders were urged to encouraged citizens to participate in community meetings to gain access to information regarding revenue and expenditure reports, as well as updates on local development projects.
Meanwhile, a resident of National Housing Street in Njombe Urban Ward, Mr Shaibu Upete raised concerns about reports of torture during police arrests and interrogations, citing violations of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA).
“Police officers are our brother and sisters; they indeed protect us, but they are using much force like electric shocks. Do lawyers or officers present here have the right to punish a suspect with electric shocks?” asked Mr Upete.
He urged CHRAGG to advise on exploring effective methods for conducting investigations but also provide training programmes to the Police Force officers, with a strong emphasis on human rights principles consideration.
Moreover, the commission also trained ward executive officers of the Njombe Municipal Council and insisted them to develop strategies aimed at reaching citizens at the grassroots level, where the most significant challenges are often found.
