The Legislature

The role of the legislature in protecting human rights

1. Enacting laws The Legislature plays a crucial role in creating laws that promote and protect human rights. It is the only body with the constitutional power to pass laws, including those that safeguard fundamental rights such as:

   • Right to life
   • Equality before the law
   • Freedom of expression
   • Freedom of association
   • Right to join political parties
   • Right to work and be protected from exploitation

   These laws ensure citizens can defend their rights and enjoy the freedoms they deserve.

2. Receiving public opinions As representatives of the people, Members of Parliament (MPs) receive and discuss complaints and suggestions from citizens, which could involve issues like the lack of social services such as healthcare, education, water, and roads. MPs bring these concerns to the legislative floor and ensure follow-ups on their implementation, fulfilling their duty to protect human rights by addressing public needs.

3. Overseeing the executive The Legislature monitors the actions of the Executive, ensuring it provides essential services to citizens and upholds human rights. MPs question ministers in parliamentary sessions to ensure that the Executive acts in the best interest of the people. This oversight guarantees that the government meets its obligations to protect the rights of citizens.

4. Investigating human rights violations The Legislature is responsible for investigating cases of human rights violations in the country. If MPs learn of any human rights abuses, they bring them to Parliament's attention, sometimes forming a special Parliamentary Committee to investigate the issue thoroughly. For example, in 2014, a special committee was formed to investigate human rights violations related to police operations against poaching. The committee's findings led to legal actions against those involved in violations.

5. Ratifying human rights declarations The Legislature is tasked with ratifying national and international declarations on human rights, including those made by the United Nations (UN) or the African Union (AU). These declarations are important tools in defending human rights in the country. As a member of these international bodies, Tanzania's Legislature ensures that these rights are formally recognized and adopted for the benefit of Tanzanian citizens.