· To receive, investigate and enquire into the complaints on violation of human rights and principles of good governance. The public is allowed and encouraged to submit their complaints without discrimination. · To promote ratification of or accession to treaties or conventions on human rights, harmonization of national legislation and monitor and assess compliance within the United Republic, by the Government and other persons. The Commission has the power to investigate any human rights abuse or maladministration on its own initiative or on receipt of complaint or allegation under the Act. The Commission receives complaints through various sources: · From general public, children inclusive. · Through visit and inspections of prisons and other detention facilities. · Through media whereby incidences of child rights violation are reported. The Government of Tanzania funds most of the financial resources required by the Commission. In addition, several development partners have assisted in the establishment and of the Commission under the Legal Sector Reform Programme. The Commission has not yet established branch offices in region/zones, making the Commission inaccessible to all citizens. This is mainly attributed to shortage of human resources, although efforts are underway of recruiting new staff. Social Economic Situation The United Republic of Tanzania in past few years has attained a high economic growth with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which has increased from the average of 4.0 percent between 1995-1999 to 5.8 percent between 2000-2004. In 2004 the growth rate was 6.7 percent which exceeded the targeted level of annual increase of 6 percent (Poverty and Human Development Report 2005). The economy is predominantly agriculture, mostly coming from production of food crops supplemented by livestock, forestry, hunting and fishing. Agriculture also dominates income generating activities as it is the source of livelihood for about 80 percent of Tanzanians. 99