1: Introduction Introduction - The United Republic of Tanzania ratified the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) in March 2003. This is its initial report on the implementation of the charter submitted to the African Committee of Experts according to Article 43. The report outlines the measures that have been taken since 2003 to effect the provisions of the ACRWC. It also details the progress made in the enjoyment of child rights. In preparing this report Tanzania has followed the guidelines as laid out by the African Committee of Experts and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Key stakeholders have been consulted through workshops, seminars and meetings in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar and their views have been used to finalize this report. Contributing and participating stakeholders have included both the Government of URT and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar NGOs and children. The views of children – expressed through their established forums – can be found in annex 2 of this report. Background - The United Republic of Tanzania (hereafter referred to as Tanzania) was formed in 1964 when the mainland of Tanganyika united with the islands of Zanzibar. The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) of 1977 is among the listed Union Matters; the application of the 1984 Constitution of Zanzibar concerns all nonunion matters. Details of the two constitutions, the role of Parliament and the House of Representatives, the Judiciary, the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance and the administrative set up of the Union are detailed in annex 3. Further details of the socio economic situation and trends in poverty can also be found in annex 3. In the interest of 1