Press Releases

Democracy and Human Rights Fund donates Tshs. 65.2 million

October 26, 2006

Groups to benefit in Dar, Rombo and Pemba

Ambassador Michael L. Retzer handed over Thursday, October 26, Tshs. 65,269,500 of Democracy and Human Rights Funds (DHRF) for four projects to benefit groups in Pemba, Rombo and Dar es Salaam. The DHRF encourages democracy, protecting human rights and adherence to the rule of law in Tanzania.

The four projects that received funding are: Advocacy for Women in Africa (AWA), Tshs. 23,317,000, Akina Mama Jiendeleze Sote (AJISO), Tshs. 16,750,000, Tanzania Hope (TANHOPE), Tshs. 11,522,500 and Gospel Communication Network of Tanzania (GCNT/CLDP) TShs.13, 680,000.

Advocacy for Women in Africa will conduct a workshop with Pemba women from different political parties to bridge their differences, and build skills in planning, advocacy and decision making. The long-term goal is to increase Pemba women’s capacity to start economic activities for poverty eradication and develop other skills.

SOTE, a community based peace and justice programme for 30,220 people in eight villages in Rombo, will conduct outreach education on human rights, gender, community participation, civic education and formation/strengthening of women legal groups. The groups are to provide conflict resolution in supporting abused women and children.

TANHOPE will train trainers to engage citizens to participate in governance of society. TANHOPE will explain the importance of democracy and how it works, and identifies barriers to democracy.

GCNT/CLDP will protect the rights of children, to fight and overcome diseases, poverty and ignorance, and enable the community to work together to ensure spiritual human development, including relief and social responsibility.

Speaking at a ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy, Ambassador Retzer said, “DHRF-sponsored activities in Tanzania are increasing awareness of civil, political and human rights through grassroots and national campaigns. The programme focuses on the expansion of legal rights education and increasing the access of women to judicial system.”

This contribution brings the total of Democracy and Human Rights Funds up to over 400 million Tanzanian Shillings ($335,914) since the programme’s inception in 2000.