THRDC, Swedish Embassy sign 3.2bn/- deal to boost rights activism

The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) has signed a three-year contract with the Embassy of Sweden which will see the latter dishing out a total of 3.2bn/- to support human rights activism programmes in the country.

The funds will be channeled to continuously providing rapid support to human rights defenders, including legal assistance when they face risky situations in their advocacy activities, advocating for policy and oppressive laws that affect human rights defenders and human rights at large.

The fund will also be used to seek opportunities for dialogue and cooperation between human rights defenders and various domestic and international institutions, both governmental and non-governmental.

“We are grateful for this support which will also support in building the capacity of human rights defenders, including member and non-member of our organizations, on how to carry out their advocacy work and protect themselves in risky environment,” said THRDC national coordinator, Advocate Onesmo OleNgurumwa in a press statement released in Dar es Salaam over the weekend.

He added that the fund will also be spent to enhance the capacity of civil society organizations regarding their rights and responsibilities, including compliance with relevant laws.

The agreement, According to THDRC national coordinator, was officially signed on June 2, 2023, and its implementation will begin early this month, concluding on December 31, 2026.

One of the beneficiaries of this project is the Human Rights Defenders in Tanzania (Mainland and Zanzibar), including both members and non-members of the network.

THRDC and Sweden have had a partnership for over 10 years since the establishment of this network.

The Embassy of Sweden in Tanzania is a significant stakeholder in the work of institutions and human rights in the country.