LHRC launches a new office in Dodoma

On September 26, 2019, Legal and Human Rights (LHRC) hosted an event to commemorate her 24th anniversary since its establishment on September 26, 1995. With more than 100 people in attendance, the event was hosted at LHRC’s newly established office in Area D - Dodoma. Hon. Kangi Lugola, the Minister responsible for Internal Affairs, graced the occasion.
 
The event highlighted milestones by LHRC in a drive to guaranteeing protection and promotion of human rights in Tanzania through various interventions including legal aid provision; advocacy for legal and policies reforms; mass education for raising awareness and change of harmful practices and behaviours; research and legal empowerment to marginalized groups counting women, children and people with disabilities. 
 
The occasion also went simultaneously with the official inauguration of the Dodoma Office as well as launching LHRC's silver jubilee campaign and Majimaji Awards (LHRC's awards to celebrate human rights activists in Tanzania).
 
The Dodoma Office comes at a point where LHRC focuses on enhancing mutual working relations with government departments, the parliament and the judiciary in a drive to guarantee protection and promotion of human rights in Tanzania.
 
Speaking at the event, the LHRC's Executive Director, Anna Henga said that the launch of Dodoma office was inevitable due to the fact that LHRC wants to enhance the engagement with the government, the judiciary, and the parliament which are all permanently in Dodoma given the commitment by the fifth government regime to make Dodoma a permanent capital of the country.
 
"The establishment of this office in Dodoma has been influenced by the impetus to enhance working relations with the government, the parliament and judiciary in ensuring meaningful protection and promotion of human rights in Tanzania. We have been moved by the commitment by the government to make Dodoma the permanent capital of the country. At the same time, we are very proud to introduce this office in Dodoma because it means reaching out to more people who require legal aid and empowerment”. Said Anna Henga.
 
Also, Anna Henga thanked the Minister for Internal Affairs, Kangi Lugola for officiating the event and pledge to strengthen working relations for the attainment of a society that respects and promotes human rights and rule of law. Similarly, Anna Henga recognized the support of various stakeholders including the founding members and former leaders particularly Dr Helen Kijo Bisimba whose outstanding service in fostering sustainability of the organization remains impeccable.
 
On his part, the guest of honour, Hon. Kangi Lugola commended LHRC for endless efforts in ensuring protection and promotion of human rights in Tanzania for the past 24 years.

"I would like to congratulate you (LHRC) for the 24 years of incomparable service to Tanzanians, your 24 years of existence has been meaningful to the nation as a whole and to individuals who have directly benefited from your services. At the national level, your work has been very instrumental in shaping the conducts of both citizens who are rights holders and duty bearers who are people in power. For that, I salute you and ask you to keep up with your great cause" said, Hon. Lugola
 
In the same development, Hon. Lugola extended his appreciation to the former LHRC's Executive Director, Dr Helen Kijo Bisimba for her outstanding contribution in protection of human rights in Tanzania insisting that Dr Bisimba needs a lifetime achievement award from the centre. Hon. Lugola also urged LHRC to effectively engage in calling for social accountability stressing that people should concurrently be taught of their rights and responsibilities. 
 
Dodoma office is the fourth office by LHRC coming next to the Headquarters located at Kijtonyama in Dar es Salaam, Legal Aid Clinic located at Isere Street in Kinondoni - Dar es Salaam as well as Arusha office located at Sakina Kwa Idd in Arusha.
 
Here is the physical address and contacts to LHRC's Dodoma office would you wish to visit:
Plot No.22 Area D,
P. O. Box 2289, Dodoma, Tanzania
Phone/Fax:+255 262350050
Email: lhrc@humanrights.or.tz