Human rights-based approach to development in Tanzania: a myth or realisable prospect?

Abstract

This article through a documentary review delves into the practical aspects impeding the realisation of a human rights-based approach to development in Tanzania and the prospects of realising the same. The article contends that Tanzania fails to convincingly implement a human rights-based approach to development due to the unenforceability of the provisions of the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy, limitations of the international human rights framework, the underperformance of its legal machinery, lack of awareness of human rights among development institutions, workers, and citizens, as well as a limited and incompetent international human rights framework to guarantee the realisation of a human rights-based approach to development. Against this backdrop, it is recommended that the Tanzanian state align its legislations with both the letter and spirit of human rights regimes, bolstering the capacity of the judiciary to discharge its adjudication function effectively and fostering awareness of human rights among development practitioners and citizens. We posit that ongoing legal system reforms, the expansion of legal studies opportunities, and the active participation of civil society in Tanzania hold the promise of advancing a human rights-based approach to development. Yet, we underscore the pivotal role of a resolute political will in ensuring the success of these endeavours and their effect on Tanzania's aspiration to achieve a developmental paradigm firmly rooted in human rights principles.