53rd SESSION OF THE UPR WORKING GROUP
Statement Norway
on the human rights situation in Tanzania
delivered by Ms Eli Marie SMEDSRUD,
First Secretary, Human Rights
Check against delivery
5 November 2026
President,
Norway welcomes Tanzania’s participation in the Universal Periodic Review. We remain deeply concerned about violence and discrimination against women and children, about serious restrictions on civic and political space and credible reports of extrajudicial killings, disappearances and arbitrary arrests.
Norway recommends that Tanzania:
- Ensure accountability for all human rights violations committed in connection with the 2025 elections by addressing such cases through independent, impartial and transparent processes;
- Ensure the effective protection of the rights of human rights defenders, members of opposition parties and civil society;
- Review the Media Services Act, Cybercrimes Act and related regulations to bring them into conformity with international human rights law;
- Amend the Law of Marriage Act to establish 18 as the minimum age of marriage, without exceptions, and adopt adequately funded measures to prevent and respond to child marriage.
- Strengthen accountability for gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation.