Zanzibar police urged to strengthen efforts in tackling GBV

ZANZIBAR: THE Deputy Commissioner of Police and Head of Human Resources for Zanzibar Police, Mr Thomas Chillery, has urged officers at the Police Gender and Children’s Desks (PGDs) to demonstrate diligence, integrity and patriotism in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) cases.

He said this during a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by UN Women and the Tanzania Police Force, with support from the European Union, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.

Over 100 police officers from PGDs across Zanzibar attended the workshop, which focused on enhancing survivor-centred case management of violence against women and children.

“We continue to witness cases of rape, sodomy, physical abuse, child marriage, teenage pregnancies and other forms of violence. These incidents violate human rights and hinder national development,” said DCP Chillery.

He said that between January and December 2024, a total of 1,116 cases were reported to the police, reflecting a 12.8 per cent decrease from the 1,280 cases reported in 2023.

Among these, 829 were rape cases and 217 were sodomy cases. “Although the number of reported cases has declined, more effort is needed to prevent these violations.

We must strengthen investigations, ensure perpetrators are held accountable and work closely with communities to prevent GBV,” he added.

DCP Chillery underscored the importance of creating a safe environment for survivors to report cases without fear and ensuring proper referrals to support services, including psychosocial assistance.

He also stressed the importance of improving service delivery at PGDs, warning that strict action would be taken against any officers who fail to uphold the rights of survivors.

“Ending violence against women and children is a shared responsibility. Every officer must play their part in ensuring Tanzania is a safe place where the rights of women and children are fully protected,” DCP Chillery said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), who is also Chief of PGDs at Police Headquarters, Maria Nzuki underscored the urgent need for a coordinated approach to handling GBV cases.

“Most GBV survivors are women and children and it is our duty to stop these violations. This workshop aims to support officers in improving case management based on best practices, while ensuring dignity and justice for survivors,” DCP Nzuki said.

UN Women Programme Specialist on Ending Violence Against Women, Lucy Tesha, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to collaborating with the Tanzania Police Force in the fight against violence targeting women and children.

“UN Women has maintained a long-standing partnership with the police and we are dedicated to advancing our joint efforts to eliminate gender-based violence across the country. These workshops are held annually not only to strengthen capacities but also to provide a platform for reflection and strategising on how best to prevent and respond to GBV using available data,” Tesha explained.