UPR 39th session - Statement by Sweden in the review of the United Republic of Tanzania

President,

Sweden acknowledges that Tanzania has ratified many important international conventions on Human Rights, both within the United Nations and the African Union. However, serious concerns remain over the lack of an independent judiciary, the limitations to conduct free and fair elections and the restrictions on media and the freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.

Sweden would like to make the following recommendations:

1. Ensure access to justice including by addressing the use of non-bailable offenses, targeting politicians, businessmen, journalists, and human rights defenders and ensure it complies with due process standards.

2. Enable future free, fair and transparent elections by undertaking political and electoral reforms, including the implementation of the recommendations issued in the final report of the EU Election Observation Mission to Tanzania of 2015.

3. Ensure, through dialogue and technical support, that the different laws and regulations governing the media sector (e.g. Cyber Crimes Act 2015, Media Services Act 2016, access to Information Act 2016, Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations 2020) are in full compliance with human rights including freedom of expression.

Thank you