Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania | September 23, 2022
The Women Global Network for Reproductive Rights Africa (WGNRR Africa) joins the Tanzanian organizations working on adolescents sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa in welcoming the decision of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) on the matter between Legal and Human Rights Centre and Centre for Reproductive Rights (on behalf of Tanzanian girls) against the United Republic of Tanzania.
In particular, WGNRR Africa and partners commend the committee’s decision that alleges the Government of Tanzania’s Policy on the expulsion of pregnant and married girls with no opportunity of re-entry to schools and the forced pregnancy testing conducted in schools, violate various provisions of the African Children’s Charter that guarantee girl’s right to be free from cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment (Article 16), the right to education (Article 11), the right to equality and non-discrimination (Article 3), and the right to be protected from harmful social practices and stereotypes (Article 21), the principle of the best interests of the child (Article 4), the right to health as it includes the right to access Sexual and Reproductive Health services (Article 14), the right to privacy and dignity (Article 10) and the obligation of states (Article 1).
This decision sets an important ground for Tanzania to not only fulfill its commitment to support more than 120,000 girls who drop out of school every year, out of whom 6,500 because of pregnancy or have children, but extensively, to ensure there is an end to compulsory pregnancy tests in schools; some colleges (i.e. Teachers colleges) and health facilities; and, that Comprehensive Sexuality Education and child-friendly Sexual Reproductive and Health services for adolescent children are provided with government support. This move will improve girls’ chances to receive better education and live healthier.
WGNRR Africa Director Nondo Ejano said the decision and policy without effective implementation remains dead letters. We strongly support not only this decision that encourages girls’ education, but at the same time remind the Tanzanian Government to adapt measures for implementation to make this landmark decision possible FOR ALL STUDENTS to access their right to education and realize their potential.We call upon the Tanzania government to fully implement the ACERWC’s decision to ensure that no more pregnant girls and young mothers are discriminated against and stigmatized.
Any government decisions that restrict and further delay the achievement of women and girls’ right to access education including comprehensive sexuality education and the delivery of youth friendly SRH information and services fail to respond to the urgent needs of young people. It translates to non-recognition of their right to evolving capacity to decide for their own bodies thereby neglecting and deprioritizing their rights. Access to education, Comprehensive Sexuality Education and youth SRH friendly services are human rights and ensuring the fulfillment of these rights are central to advancing Tanzania’s social and economic development.
For media inquiries, please contact:
NONDO EJANO (nondo@wgnrrafrica.org)
WALTA CARLOS (walta@wgnrrafrica.org)
