Dar es Salaam. Stakeholders from Ireland and Tanzania met here yesterday to discuss and approve a book of collection of decided cases on sexual violence against children from the two countries.

The gathering at the Hall of the Law School of Tanzania (LST), was graced by High Court Judge, Asina Omar, who also serves at the Temeke One Stop Judicial Centre.

It was coordinated by the Institute of Judicial Administration (IJA) with the funding of the Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) through the Irish Embassy in Tanzania.

Opening the one-day meeting, Judge Asina said the book containing various cases that provide important reference for various people, including those involved in the protection of child rights and the fight against sexual violence on children.

"This book contains cases that have been decided by the High Court of Tanzania and the Court of Appeal of Tanzania as well as cases from Ireland related to sexual violence against children.

“So, when completed, it will be an easy reference for various people including us as judges, magistrates, prosecutors and those teaching about children's rights," said Judge Asina.

IRLI Programme Manager, Sean McHale, who spoke at the meeting via video conferencing, noted that cases of child abuse should be dealt with early. “That is why our institution has been part of the preparation of the book,” said the manager.

Retired High Court Judge, Sophia Wambura explained some of the reasons that have been contributing to gender and sexual violence against children, including adults sleeping with their children in the same room. 

"This issue of children has many challenges, if we go back to family upbringing, you find a young man gets married and lives in the same room with his two or three children.

“We sometimes do things in the room, thinking that the children are asleep while they are not, the next day they tell each other what they saw at night. So these things start when the children are still young," noted retired Judge Sophia.

The meeting was also attended other retired Judges and representatives from the ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups.

Others who attended the meeting included resident magistrates and judges, prosecutors, state attorneys, a representative from the Gender Desk at the Police Force headquarters, social welfare officers, lawyers association (TLS), association of women judges and magistrates.

The book is under a joint preparation between IRLI and IJA as the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions was signed in March, 2023, with the aim of enhancing cooperation in the area of the child’s rights. The Citizen