This week, we had the pleasure of attending an enlightening and empowering training session organised by UNA Tanzania and UNA Finland. This learning platform brought together civil society organisations (CSOs) from across Tanzania to delve into the profound relationship between human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Led and facilitated by the awesome Maria Ploug Petersen from the Danish Institute for Human Rights, the training attested to the collective commitment to advancing human rights and sustainable development in our country and globally.
Ms. Petersen sessions unraveled the intricate interplay between human rights and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With clarity and insight, she illustrated how each SDG is inherently rooted in human rights principles, emphasizing the imperative of addressing these issues equitably among all members of the United Nations. Ms. Petersen's elucidation impressed upon the global initiative driving towards a more just and sustainable world, where poverty and inequality are eradicated, the environment is preserved, and well-being and justice are promoted for all. It became very evident that every individual's inclusion is paramount in this collective endeavor to achieve a better future.
As the conversation progressed, attention turned towards the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a unique mechanism of the Human Rights Council aimed at evaluating each UN Member State's human rights records. Through the UPR process, countries like Tanzania will undergo a peer review of their human rights situation vis-à-vis the SDGs, fostering transparency and accountability in promoting human rights. We learnt about Tanzania's engagement in the UPR process since 2011 and its upcoming review in 2026, emphasizing the significance of addressing challenges hindering the fulfillment of human rights.
The importance of our country's active participation in implementing UPR recommendations was also pointed out with a special focus on Women's and Children's Rights, which accounted for about 19% of accepted recommendations. As dedicated advocates for children's rights, C-Sema and Save the Children were recognised as key stakeholders in overseeing the UPR process for children in Tanzania, a duty we have taken seriously.
It was exciting for us to participate in thought-provoking discussions, exchange valuable perspectives, and forge meaningful connections during the training session. This exchange affirmed the collective enthusiasm and commitment in the room towards catalyzing positive change and nurturing a society where human rights are championed, and sustainable development is achieved for everyone.
We left the event, inspired and reminded of our shared responsibility to champion human rights and SDGs in Tanzania and beyond.
This was prepared by C-Sema's media team.