LHRC Hosts Deputy Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs to Strengthen Legal Aid and Access to Justice in Tanzania.

Dar es Salaam, 27 February 2026, Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) today hosted the Deputy Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Hon. Zainab Athuman Katimba, in an official visit aimed at strengthening collaboration in the provision of legal aid services and enhancing access to justice for all Tanzanians.

The Deputy Minister was received by LHRC’s Acting Executive Director, Advocate Deogratius Bwire, together with members of the institution’s senior management and legal aid team. The visit provided a strategic platform for dialogue between Government and civil society on improving justice delivery systems in Tanzania.

LHRC’s Role in Advancing Access to Justice

During the meeting, LHRC presented an overview of its long-standing work in advancing human rights and access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups. For over two decades, LHRC has been at the forefront of providing legal aid services, legal literacy, and public interest litigation through its legal aid offices in Kinondoni (Dar es Salaam), Dodoma and Arusha.

Strengthening the Legal Aid Ecosystem

The discussions focused on strengthening the legal aid ecosystem in Tanzania, including the role of paralegals, the efficiency of court judgment enforcement, and the performance of community-based dispute resolution mechanisms such as marriage reconciliation boards.

LHRC emphasized that while significant progress has been made, several systemic challenges continue to limit the full realization of justice for many citizens.

Key Challenges in Legal Aid Delivery

Among the key issues raised were limited digital literacy among paralegals, delays in licensing and registration processes, and financial and procedural barriers in enforcing court decisions. Legal aid officers also highlighted difficulties in accessing prisons to provide legal assistance to inmates and remandees, noting that bureaucratic procedures often delay or restrict service delivery to those most in need.

Government Recognition and Commitment

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Katimba commended LHRC for its significant contribution to promoting human rights, legal empowerment, and access to justice in Tanzania. She acknowledged the important role played by civil society organizations in complementing Government efforts to ensure justice services reach all citizens, particularly those who cannot afford legal representation.

The Deputy Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with legal aid providers and other justice sector stakeholders.

Improving Community Justice Mechanisms

Hon. Katimba further noted that the Ministry will continue to provide oversight and capacity-building support to community dispute resolution bodies, including marriage reconciliation boards, to improve their efficiency, fairness, and accountability.

Digital Transformation in Legal Aid

The Deputy Minister underscored the importance of digital transformation in legal aid delivery. She encouraged LHRC to continue integrating digital tools and systems in order to expand outreach, improve case management, and enhance transparency and efficiency in legal services.

A Shared Commitment to Justice for All

The visit concluded with a shared commitment between the Government and LHRC to deepen cooperation in promoting equitable access to justice and strengthening the rule of law in Tanzania. Both parties emphasized that sustainable justice systems require strong partnerships between public institutions and civil society to ensure that justice is accessible, inclusive, and fair for all.