In Tanzania, a child is defined as a person below the age of 18. This definition is in accordance with the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977 and various international conventions on the rights of the child, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Moreover, the Law of the Child Act [CAP 13 R.E 2019] provides for the reform and consolidation of laws relating to children. It stipulates the roles of the child and provides duties and maintains the legal rights of children, with a view to giving effect to international and regional conventions on children’s rights. The Act also provides for matters such as affiliation, foster care, and adoption.
Children in this era must be recognised and protected under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Key rights include the right to survival, development, protection, and participation. These also encompass socio-economic rights such as access to health, education, protection from exploitation, and the right to be heard.
- Right to survival. This includes access to basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, and healthcare.
- Right to development. This encompasses the opportunity for children to reach their full potential through education, play, and access to resources that support their growth and well-being.
- Right to protection. This ensures children are safeguarded from harm, including violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
- Right to participation. Children are entitled to express their views in matters affecting their lives and to be heard.
- Right to health. Access to healthcare services, immunizations and appropriate medical treatment is a fundamental right.
- Right to education. Education lays a foundation for children’s knowledge, development, companionship, and future inclusion in society.
- Right to identity. Children have the right to a name, nationality, and legal recognition under law from birth.
- Right to be raised by their parents. Young people must be raised in an environment that protects their dignity.
- Right to religion and belief. Children are free to express their opinions and beliefs, including freedom of religion. That faith must be respected, provided it does not infringe the rights of others.
- Right to think and believe what they choose and to practise their religion, provided they do not break the law or violate others’ rights.
- Right to protection from abuse. The right to protection includes being protected by the law against all forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
- Right to privacy. The right to privacy is recognised under Tanzanian law.
Conclusion:
Despite the existence of a comprehensive legal framework, significant challenges remain. These include poverty, limited access to education, social norms that reinforce child labour, child marriages, and trafficking, particularly in refugee settings.
Progress depends on the engagement of stakeholders — including the government, civil society, and the public — as society acknowledges the importance of the full advancement of children’s rights.
📌 Linda Njolasy writes on social, legal, and development issues. Email: lindanjolasy18@gmail.com | Tel: +255768600700
