Tanzania: LHRC wants alterations to rights bill on Diaspora
Published: 10/Aug/2024
Source: The Guardian / IPP Media (Dar es Salaam)
By Zuwena Shame
THE Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has urged the law reform institutions to repeal Section 37 of the Constitution Act, which relates to amending citizenship law and its procedures.
Dr Anna Henga, the LHRC executive director, said at a press conference yesterday that the section was nullified by the High Court of Tanzania last year in the case of Prisca Chogero versus the Attorney General, case number 17 of 2023, on the premise that using the provision violates court orders and undermines the rule of law.
She said that the court observed that the provision is at variance with Article 107A (1) of the 1977 Constitution, where the judiciary “is the sole authority for final decisions in the administration of justice.”
This appeal is aimed at helping the public understand the bill and LHRC’s views, facilitating citizen participation in law making and providing recommendations to the government, she stated.
Section 23 of the reform bill proposes to amend Section 37 of the Act, which sets out procedure for appealing to the responsible minister. “However, the proposed amendments set limits to the right of appeal for individuals dissatisfied with the minister’s decision on their application,’ the director affirmed.
“LHRC is shocked by the ongoing efforts to amend this section without making fundamental changes by repealing it, as was decided by the High Court of Tanzania. Continuing with this section is disregard for court orders and creates a negative image for the rule of law,” she elaborated.
Read further: https://ippmedia.com/the-guardian/news/local-news/read/lhrc-wants-alterations-to-rights-bill-on-diaspora-2024-08-10-101450