Dear Friends and Colleagues,

In the time so far I have served as the Executive Director of the Legal and Human Rights Centre, it has been my privilege to work alongside such an experienced, knowledgeable and committed team of staff and partners. Everywhere I look, I see passion and commitment that I find both humbling and deeply impressive.

It has come to the attention of the country- again- that human rights matters, LHRC exists for “A Just and equitable society”. The values we share, the work we do, and our cause for the human rights defenders – the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized, and all those who are left behind – are on the scaffold.

I am thrilled to share with you the LHRC annual report for 2018 which marks the end of our Strategic Plan 2013 - 2018. This report showcases the major activities undertaken during the year 2018, key achievements, success stories, and our key learning. In this year the main focus was centered on addressing the current shrinking civic space situation in Tanzania, the most challenging time where the political environment has been grim; laws that hinder civic space, CSOs and media space are enacted and implemented.

We have witnessed a deteriorating human rights situation in the country, over the past two years, basic freedoms of assembly, expression, association and the right to take part in governance has severely been restricted by the government apparatus. There has been a continued restriction to political assembly and the right to participate in governance has also been violated.

Most of the 2017 and 2018 by-elections were marred by violence and irregularities and incidents of massive human rights violations including excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies, abductions of party leaders, representatives and voters, beatings and torture. There have been continued threats to CSOs, the media and religious leaders for critically commenting on governance and political issues. Regardless of these challenges LHRC has remained strong, focused, determined and vigilant to achieve its objectives.

For the year 2019, LHRC shall intensify its work to intensively advocate for law reforms and rule of law so that the government and other duty bearers can conform to human rights standards including promotion and protection of civil and political rights to enhance meaningful and adequate participation of citizens in governance and democratic processes as Tanzania is heading towards the 2019 Local Government Election and setting inclusive and fair playground for 2020 general election.

Please let me invite you to read our 2018 Annual Progress Report for further details and share your feedback for adaption and implementation in 2019.

Ms. Anna Henga (Advocate) Executive Director- LHRC