Date of publication:
01/08/2026
United Republic of Tanzania (the)
Do domestic laws and policies prohibit the detention of children for immigration-related reasons?
Assessment by population
Analysis
Tanzania has been a host country for refugees and migrants, particularly from neighboring nations. The country's legal system incorporates international standards aimed at protecting children's rights, including those related to immigration and displacement. Despite legal prohibitions against detaining children for immigration-related reasons, reports indicate that in practice, both unaccompanied and accompanied children are sometimes detained alongside adults. This discrepancy between law and practice raises concerns about the protection of children's rights within the immigration system.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
The Law of the Child Act
- Year: 2009
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Family life
- Link to external source: http://parliament.go.tz/polis/uploads/bills/acts/1452143878-ActNo-21-2009.pdf
Legal provision
Section 95.1 - Duty to Report
Any member of the community who has evidence or information that a child is in need of care and protection shall report the matter to the social welfare officer, police officer, or any other authorized person.
Section 18.3 - Care order of court to be of benefit to a child
A child shall be placed in an approved residential home or with a fit person where the child has been: (a) abandoned or is without a parent or guardian; (b) neglected or ill-treated by the person having care and custody of the child; (c) found destitute; (d) found wandering and has no home or settled place of abode; (e) found begging or receiving alms; or (f) is in need of care and protection.