Tanzania Activists Trained on Law of the Child Act for Stronger Child Custody Handling

• Child rights activists have been urged to strengthen their knowledge of child protection laws.
• The training session aimed at equipping participants with necessary skills and understanding of child rights protection.
• Key provisions of the Law of the Child Act, including child custody, child labour, and adoption, were highlighted as essential for all child rights actors to understand.

If we understand these laws well, we will perform our duties correctly and become better partners to the government.

In a move to strengthen child protection in Tanzania, activists have been called upon to improve their knowledge of relevant laws. The training session, organized by the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), aimed at equipping participants with the necessary skills and understanding of child rights protection. Advocate Onesmo Olengurumwa, THRDC National Coordinator, emphasized the importance of grasping these laws, stating that correct handling of abuse, custody, and juvenile justice cases relies heavily on this knowledge.

The training covered various aspects of child protection, including institutional engagement, referral mechanisms, and multistakeholder collaboration. Social Welfare Officer Mr Zachayo Shigongo highlighted the shared responsibility in protecting children, urging stakeholders to play an active role in safeguarding their welfare.

University of Dar es Salaam School of Law lecturer Dr Veronica Buchumi underscored the significance of familiarizing oneself with the Law of the Child Act, 2009, as amended in 2025. She highlighted key provisions, including child custody, child labour, and adoption, which all child rights actors should understand. Dr Buchumi noted that each group of children requires a different approach in the justice system, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies.

The training session aimed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle and report child-related cases effectively. By understanding these laws and provisions, activists can better support government efforts to safeguard children's rights.

The training has significant implications for lawyers and compliance officers handling child-related cases. To ensure effective handling of such cases, it is essential for these professionals to familiarize themselves with the key provisions of the Law of the Child Act. This includes understanding child custody, child labour, and adoption laws, as well as the different needs of children in the justice system.

By strengthening their knowledge of child protection laws, activists can become better partners to the government in safeguarding children's rights. This development highlights the importance for lawyers and compliance officers to stay up-to-date with relevant legislation and regulations.

This development highlights the importance for lawyers and compliance officers to familiarise themselves with the key provisions of the Law of the Child Act, particularly regarding child custody, child labour, and adoption, to ensure effective handling of child-related cases.

Source: Original reporting via Daily News