Norway Embassy, LHRC seal 4.5bn/- partnership deal

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dar es Salaam has signed a new three-year core partnership agreement with the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), committing NOK 19 million (about 4.5bn/-) to support the organisation’s 2025–2027 strategic plan.

The funding will strengthen LHRC’s work in advancing democratic governance, justice and human rights across Tanzania.

Since 2013, Norway has provided more than NOK 61 million (about 14.4bn/-) in support of LHRC’s initiatives, ranging from strategic litigation and legal aid to criminal justice reform and amplifying citizen voices in accountability processes.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, Norwegian Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Tone Tinnes, described the partnership as a reflection of Norway’s long-standing commitment to human rights.

“This agreement reflects Norway’s commitment to a society where political rights, reconciliation, women’s empowerment and freedom of expression form the foundation of social and economic development,” she said.

Ms Tinnes commended LHRC for successfully developing its new six-year strategic plan, saying that Norway’s contribution will finance the first three workplans.

She highlighted LHRC’s role in advocacy, drafting reform bills in criminal justice and electoral processes, and coordinating civil society recommendations for Tanzania’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) sessions at the United Nations.

She said Norway looks forward to the centre’s continued involvement in the 2026 UPR round.

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On his part, LHRC’s Acting Executive Director, Advocate Fulgence Massawe, said Norway’s support has been crucial to the Centre’s mission.

“Norway’s support has been instrumental in strengthening democratic governance, advancing human rights and expanding access to justice in Tanzania. Through this partnership

“LHRC has been empowered to amplify the voices of the marginalised, influence policy reforms, and promote a more inclusive and equitable society. We are deeply grateful for Norway’s commitment to justice and dignity for all,” he said.

Mr Massawe added that the new agreement will also contribute to LHRC’s work on legal reforms, including criminal justice, electoral processes, and advancing the rights of women and children in line with the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children.

Ms Tinnes further drew a parallel between political developments in both countries, noting that Norway was holding its parliamentary election on the same day of the signing.

She said that, like Tanzania, which heads to the polls on 29 October, democracy is a journey that requires trust, participation and accountability.

“Democracy is more than the right to vote. It is the right to live in peace, in societies where citizens feel safe, and where resources are prioritised for education, health, water and transportation,” she said.

Both sides reaffirmed that the new partnership will strengthen civil society’s contribution to accountability, gender equity and inclusive democratic governance in Tanzania.