Date of publication:

01/08/2026

United Republic of Tanzania (the)

Do domestic laws and policies establish measures to prevent and respond to gender-based violence committed against forcibly displaced and stateless persons?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

Tanzania has ratified several international conventions addressing GBV, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Domestically, the country has enacted laws like the Sexual Offences Special Provisions Act (SOSPA) of 1998, which amends the Penal Code to address sexual violence and exploitation. While these laws apply to all individuals within Tanzania, they do not specifically address the unique vulnerabilities of forcibly displaced and stateless persons. In refugee camps, UNHCR collaborates with local authorities to implement programs combating sexual and gender-based violence. However, challenges persist due to resource constraints and cultural factors that may hinder reporting and effective response. ​

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Sexual Offences Special Provisions Act (SOSPA)

    Legal provision

    Section 5.1 - Amendment of the Penal Code

    The Penal Code is amended by adding immediately after section 130 the following new sections: 130A. (1) Any person who, being responsible for the care of a child, sexually abuses the child commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than twenty years with corporal punishment, and shall also be ordered to pay compensation of an amount determined by the court to the victim for the injuries caused."