ZANZIBAR President Hussein Mwinyi has expressed his happiness with the progress made in the war against Gender Based Violence (GBV), especially sexual violence, stressing that the fight against corruption and illicit drugs must also be won.
“I am happy with the progress made in fighting sexual abuse, the reforms made in the judiciary system such as establishment of special tribunal for sexual offences, have helped to speed up hearing of the cases. I would like to see similar progress in the fight against corruption and illicit drugs,” Dr Mwinyi said.
The President made the remarks here at the official launch of the Zanzibar Judiciary needs assessment report and Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC)-Zanzibar Office.
He said that concerted efforts were needed in order to win the war against all social menaces.
Dr Mwinyi insisted that the war against narcotics, sexual abuse especially on children and women, and corruption must be won to pave way for economic development and sustainable peace to be enjoyed by all.
Dr Mwinyi informed the gathering that his administration is determined to reform all sectors, including health, education and the Judiciary system of which the government has been working to improve infrastructure and human resources (increase the number of staff/judges, accountability, and welfare).
The president also said it is high time they ensure financial stability (increase budget and find loans to guarantee funding), improve working environment (availability of vehicles for transport), and digitalisation of the judiciary to have e-case management and administration.
Dr Mwinyi further expressed gratitude to the THRDC for launching the report, pledging to work on the recommendations, noting that the proposed reforms are also contained in the Zanzibar Vision 2050.
On his part, State Minister-President’s Office (Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service, and Good Governance) Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman informed the gathering that Dr Mwinyi is fully committed to reform all sectors.
“In May this year, the Zanzibar government increased salaries by up to 200 per cent because the restructuring considered different things, including experience and education. All public servants including the judiciary staff have benefited from the increment. The ZAECA (Zanzibar Anti Corruption and Economic Crime Authority) is now under review,” Minister Suleiman said.
Zanzibar Chief Justice, Khamis Ramadhan Abdalla Shaaban explained that the launched judiciary review report has enabled them to have a five-year work plan with judiciary digitalisation or e-justice among the priorities and giving much attention on controlling abuse of children and women and illicit drugs.
THRDC Board Chairperson, (rtd) Judge Joaquine De Mello and the THRDC National Coordinator Advocate Onesmo Olengurumwa expressed gratitude to Zanzibar government and President Mwinyi for their collaboration and showing seriousness in defending human rights.
“We are your assistants in defending for human rights, because the President is the number one human rights defender. Since we are working together, we need to have a policy and law that recognises human rights defenders in the country.”
Lady Justice Iman Daudi Aboud- President of the African Human and People’s Rights (AfCHPR) also commended Zanzibar for working with the NGO in promoting human rights in the Isles.