The government through the Ministry of Community development, Gender and Children
is finalising 'the family Policy' which has the objective of intensifying family unit at all
levels. Family education will be included in the syllabus in schools to promote and teach
family values.
The department plays a big role in the adoption process by investigating
the environment of the intended adoptive family as
per the
Adoption Act
CAP . ............. .RE 2002 rules and regulations. Poor families receive petty business
loans from the Social welfare Department and free education from local governments.
The provisions of the Penal Code CAP 16 Cap R.E. 2002 of Tanzania impose a specific
duty with regard to heads of families or households to provide necessaries of life to
children under 14 years.
The amending legislation, Sexual Offences Special Provisions Act CAP. 101 RE 2002,
was enacted to give protection to women's personal integrity, dignity and liberty, also
protect children against sexual abuse. The government ensures that the elimination of
every discrimination against women and the protection of the rights of women and
children as stipulated in international declarations and Conventions.
In ensuring the protection of the child the Government of the United Republic of
Tanzania, established a Department called 'Children Development Department' in 2003tu
deal with children issues in the country within the Ministry of Community Development
Gender and Children.
The government has already formulated a white paper with a view to reviewing all laws
relating to women and children. It is currently collecting stakeholder's views on the issue.
Similarly, the Child Policy is currently under review to accommodate the principle of the
best interests of the child.
The Ministry of Community Development Gender and children has established Junior
Council for the United Republic of Tanzania for the effective participation of Children.
Furthermore Children's rights issues are incorporated in the National Growth and
Eradication of Poverty Strategy which is an important step in ensuring Children's rights
in the country. The government is committed to the rights of the child and among other
things celebrates the Day of the African Child each year on the 16th June. Through the
Ministry of Community development Gender and Children has submitted timely its
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