2014Issue No. 1 October 2014

January-September

TANZANIA HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS COALITION Envisaging a free and secured environment for all Human Rights Defenders in Tanzania

DEFENDER’S MONITORDEFENDER’S MONITOR

CONTENTS

Editorial A Word from the National Coordinator

1. ADVOCACY I. It takes two to tango, HRDs and PoliceII. Decriminalize draconian media laws, urge stakeholdersIII. Success story from advocacy desk IV. UPR Education, a necessity towards advancing HR enjoymentV. NHRAP Annual Review Meeting With CSOs

2. CAPACITY BUILDING I. HRDs in extractive industry in grave dangerII. Are you a media editor? Defend yourself from HR enemiesIII. Approaching journalists and Members of the Constitutional Assembly to save HRDsIV. PanicbuttonApp:SecurityatthefingertipsV. Physical and Digital training on SecurityVI. Success story from the capacity building desk

3. PROTECTION I. Better alive, better safe – A success story II. Rapid response mechanism for HRDs in Africa discussed III. THRDC Celebrates the inclusion of HRDs Protection Measures in the East Africa Community Human Rights Plan

4. INSTITUTION BUILDING I. Board retreat II. Management Accounting for Non Governmental Organizations III. Financial management for a better coalitionIV. New Board members aboardV. Upcoming activities

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Writer Mariagoreth Charles .M.

Design and LayoutMedia Brothers

EDITORIALDear readers,THRD-CoalitionishappytowelcomeyoutoitsfirstNewsletterissue.Wehopeitwillupdateyouaccordinglyon our activities. In this issue we are going to take you through the road well-traveled for the past nine months, from January to September, 2014.

This newsletter is divided into four central components: Advocacy, Capacity Building, Protection and Institutional Building, highlighting different issues in all the four target areas.

The main topic covered from different angles and in all the four mentioned categories is media freedom. Needless to say, journalists have a major role to play to ensure the protection of human rights although they leave themselves exposed to risks in the process.

The current Constitution may have attempted to recognize the freedom of the media, yet it has not done so openly, thus creating unfriendly working environment for media practitioners. Worse enough, the presence of draconian media laws puts the freedom of the press in the country under siege, a reason over why the Coalition supports the Decriminalization of expression campaign. The newsletter has incorporated a feature titled ‘for media editors in a bid to provide safety tips, as well as a narrated success story ‘better alive, better safe” from the Protection Desk, which tells how the coalition has managed to protect a journalist and a media editor together with his family. Furthermore, the newsletter highlights training to journalists who were assigned to cover sessions the Constituent Assembly session.

According to Press Freedom Index 2013 Report by Reporters without Borders, “Tanzania ranks 70th, -36 in terms of being unsafe zone for journalists by dropping by more than 30 places because, in the space of four months, a journalist was killed while covering a demonstration whereas another one was murdered”. This has severely tarnished the image of the country.

Above all, the Coalition has observed that most of the threats reported at its Protection Desk involved journalists. It is worth noting that, true development can never be achieved in the absence of media freedom and thus we should raise our voices in unison to rescue the journalism profession.

For this and more, kindly enjoy your reading and expect much more from a series of our future Monitors.We value your opinion and please, feel free to contact us.

Mariagoreth Charles

Editor and Information Officer - THRDC

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From the National Coordinator VOX POPULI VOX DEI

“People’s voice is a voice of God”, while as this sentiment may pull different opposing sides; I chose to take no general stand, to be precise, in the matters affecting the public such as the Constitution-making process. The right to participate is a major tool towards empowering the public. This proves that the public, rather than the authority, possesses such power.

In a democratic society, people have a right to choose who should take the driver’s seat to lead the country and therefore the authority ought to serve the interest of the public and not otherwise; and that is why Article 8 of the current Constitution vests power in people and not the authority while Article 18 provides them with freedom of expression so that they can exercise their power.Afact-findingmissioncarriedoutbytheCoalitionfoundthat individual NGOs and HRDs who were members of the CA have never been free from tough administrative measures and threats affecting freedom of expression and participation. I therefore strongly condemn the way the Constitutional Assembly (CA) and the Government authorities treat some HRDs, NGOs and individual

members of the CA with divergent ideas. The whole process was marred by a lot of controversy and now that the President has given a nod to the proposed Constitution, the public has the right to understand it, discuss itandfinallyturnoutatthereferendumtovoteeitherYesorNo. Apart from that, the country has witnessed a major disregard for the public opinion after the CA deliberately omitted or tempered with key issues from the Second Draft Constitution. Such issues include Article 119(a) without which no human right is guaranteed; accountability; structure of the government; and the power of the president. Critics argue that the proposed Constitution has nothing new to offer rather than proposing minor changes in the current Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977.

The high level of disregard for people’s views which were incorporated in the First and Second Draft Constitutions have forced the Coalition to call upon the government to be objective by taking into consideration the future of the nation. As of now, the public might not be aware of the long-term impact that might arise if the proposed Constitution is voted for, but I strongly believe CSOs and the government have enough knowledge on this. This would have not been an issue now had it been that the government was to take heed of the CSOs advice to stop the process at an earlier stage. I urge all CSOs in the country to come up with joint initiatives to educate the public on the Proposed Constitution for them to be aware and understand the reason over why the country ought not to waste more money on the referendum process.

It is our hope that development partners as supporters of human rights activism in the country will see a need to extend a helping hand to CSOs’ movement in support of the cause.

Onesmo Olegurumwa National Coordinator –THRDC

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It takes two to tango, HRDs and Police

Tanzania, February 27 – At long last, CSOs and the Police Force have agreed to work in collaboration after a long history of suspicion between the two. The agreement was reached at a meeting organized by the THRDC in Dar es Salaam and was attended by more than 30 senior police officersincluding Police Commanders (RPCs) from across the country.

The meeting was motivated by the spirit of good gesture by the Deputy Inspector General of Police Force (DGIP), Abdulrahman Kaniki, who in November 26, 2013, brought forth the idea at the launching of the Needs Assessment Survey.

It is worth understanding that CSOs and Police Force are interdependent organs whose role is to ensure people’s rights are respected therefore mistrust will not only tear them apart but also jeopardize the human rights protection in the country.

The Coalition board member, who is also the Executive Director for the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), Dr. Helen Kijo-Bisimba made a moving speech addressing various

Let’s recognize HRDs and value their work

issues, including violation of human rights by the police as well as the lack of cooperation between CSOs and law enforcing organs.

Commenting on the violation of human rights by the police, a lecturer from the Law School at the University of Dar es Salaam, Mr. Jesse James, warned Police officials that the country is asignatory to various international human rights protocols, and those who violate human rights can face charges at the International Criminal Court or African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), even after their retirement.

Arusha RPC, Liberatus Sabas, advised Human Rights Organisations (HRNGOs) to treat policemen the way they would have done to any other person. (“Treat us like other human beings.)

A fruitful meeting it was, as both parties agreed to work in collaboration to jointly publish HRDs manuals. Moreover, the police force promised to assign a focal person to the Coalition who will facilitate communication.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Force (DIGP), Abdulrahman Kaniki makes his

speech during the session.

An interactive meeting it was.

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Tanzania, July 8-9 – the THRDC participated in a stakeholders meeting on decriminalization of laws limiting Freedom of expression which was held in Dar es Salaam in its efforts to ensure that draconian media laws are decriminalized in the country.

The Decriminalization of Xpressions (DOX) campaign was led by the Special Rapporteur, Commissioner Pansy Tlakula, in collaboration with

the Centre for Human Rights, Media Institute of South Africa Tanzania (MISA-Tanzania), and members of the Decriminalization of Expression (DOX). The move is meant to push for repeal of criminal defamation, insult, false news and sedition in Africa.The Deputy Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Honorable Angela Kairuki officiated the meeting and reiterated theGovernment’s commitment to engage stakeholders to amend media laws. This was an apt to expound on the various criminal laws restricting freedom of expression, the impact of such laws on media freedom and how they have been applied in the Tanzanian media courts.

It is evident that media laws such as the Newspaper Act of 1976; The National Security Act, 1970 and the Tanganyika Penal Code, 1945 are used to accuse or intimidate media owners, journalists, sources of information and newspaper vendors.

It is high time that media freedom is guaranteed and draconian media laws are decriminalized during the ongoing Constitution writing process.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), Mary Massay giving an opening remarks at the workshop beside her are: The National Coordinator of the Coalition Mr. Onesmo Olengurumwa and the Chairman of the Coalition Mrs. Martina Kabisama.

Tanzania, September 19 - The Coalition organized a workshop on Universal Periodic Review (UPR) monitoring process in its efforts to ensure sustainable human rights protection in the country.UPR is a mechanism which was created by the UN General Assembly on March 15, 2006 through Resolution 60/251, with an ultimate goal to improve human rights situation and address human rights violations whenever they occur

UPR Education, a necessity towards advancing HR enjoyment

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The workshop was held in Dar es Salaam and was attended by human rights defenders under different thematic areas and from different corners of the country.

It is through this workshop that a way for UPR projects was paved. These sessions endeavor to increase awareness of individual defenders/ organizations on UPR, empower CSOs on how to monitor the implementation process, produce quality reports and advance the enjoyment of Human Rights in Tanzania, but to mention a few.

The sessions led to immediate plans of strategizing over how to monitor the UPR process. The Executive Secretary of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), Mary Massay, chaired the workshop and promised to work in collaboration with the coalition for the sake of ensuring maximum enjoyment of human rights in the country. The Coalition looks forward to an honest and open communication with the government in order to access the action plan on the implementation of UPR recommendations.

Tanzania,asaUNmember,underwentthefirstcycleof theUPRon3rdOctober2011andit isabout time that CSOs and the government work together in order to draft a report which will appeal to the international arena and improve human rights protection in Tanzania.

Anxiously waiting for the session to begin

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NHRAP ANNUAL REVIEW MEETING WITH CSOsCSOs have been calling for the recognition of Human Rights Defenders. However, the National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP) meant to strengthen the national system of human rights protection and promotion, has failed to accommodate it.

The NHRAP is a plan in form of a response typically addressing human rights issues to the recommendations of the Vienna Declaration and Program Action. The Declaration was adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, Austria in 1993. It states: “Each state consider the desirability of drawing up a national action plan identifying steps whereby the State would improve the protection and promotion of human rights.”

The exclusion of human rights defenders issues in the NHRAP should be taken as a challenge that requires immediate intervention.

The plan has three objectives: to empower CSOs to understand the Plan and all the prioritized rights, to Empower CSOs to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Plan and to Encourage CSOs to integrate the plan in their action plans.

However, the Coalition appreciates the contribution of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) in its efforts to ensure Human Rights Defenders are recognized.

WeurgeotherCSOstoteamupanddevelopanaddendumplanthatwillincludetheidentifiedgaps,including those of HRDS.

Success story from advocacy desk THRD-Coalition is pleased to announce that it has gained observer status to the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR).

In October 2013, THRDC attended and submitted an application for observer status during the 54th Ordinary Session of the Africa Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Notably, on 20th May 2014, THRDC received news from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights that it had been granted the observer status with reference no OBS.470, making it among the few NGOs in Tanzania with such a status. The move will enable it to submit and present reports to the African Commission on the situation of human rights defenders in Tanzania, and wherenecessary,fileacasebeforetheAfricanCourt..

ObserverstatusisanopportunityforOrganizationsworkinginthefieldofhumanrightstoattendandnetwork in all meetings prepared by the African commission

HRDs in extractive industry in grave danger

Uganda, August 18-19 - Despite the promising growth of mineral, oil and gas sectors, having an immense contribution in East Africa’s economy, studies have shown that HRDS in these extractive industries work in a highly-challenging environment and their predicament ought to be heard to protect them. The East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP) organized training at Munyonyo for 15 potential participants from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda who work on resource extraction industry.

It has been pointed out that “Relationships between HRDs, government and private actors have ranged from cooperative and constructive to adversarial and violent. With the vast sums of money involved, entrenched private interests may pose risks to HRDs engaged in the sector”.

The listed challenges facing HRDs working on extractive industries are: working under pressure from both authorities and companies in remote and isolated areas; being non well-versed with protection mechanisms available for HRDs; limited knowledge on safety and security management for their own work; as well as working from isolated locations unconnected to other human rights organizations. During his presentation, the EHAHRDP Executive Director Hassan Shire, remarked that HRDs working in extractive industry are at more risk and called upon the need to increase efforts on protection and security. The session was funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).Participants from Tanzania were the THRDC, LHRC, LEAT, HAKI MADINI AND CESOPE. THRDC felt honored to receive constructive advice on various issues from major HRD stakeholders that

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Here to empower youSuccess story from Capacity building Upon evaluation after trainings on security management and risk assessment offered by THRDC, a participant had this to say:

“Kwakweli, mafunzo haya ya ulinzi na usalama kwa watetezi yamenijengea ujasiri wa kufanya kazi zaidi.”

“The training on security and protection to HRDs has indeed instilled courage for me to execute my duties more than ever,”

attended the meeting. Several recommendations were made during the session one being to introduce defender IDs to its members, developing a security plan and policy as well as convening workshops on HRD working on resource extractions.

Are you a media editor? Defend yourself from HR enemies

The Guest of Honour, Secretary General of the Media Owners Association of Tanzania (MOAT) Mr. Henry Muhanika issuing a statement on behalf of his organization

An editor for Mawio Newspaper, Mr Joster Mwangulumbi, (r) receives a certificate of attendance from the Guest of Honour Mr. Henry Muhanika

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A veteran editor and trainer, Mr Chrysostom Rweyemamu elaborates a point on the dangers of unethical journalism, looking on are Dr Ayub Rioba, a lecturer at University of Dar es Salaam, Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication (Left) and Onesmo Olengurumwa (Centre).

Tanzania, 13-15 June – Journalists, just like any other human rights defenders, ought to be protected, especially during this time when the country is heading towards the 2015 General Elections and formulation of the new Constitution, said THRDC country coordinator, Onesmo Olengurumwa, when opening the security management training to media editors.

It has been noted that security issues are not taken seriously by media editors for the reason that “editorsaretoobusy,theylackknowledge,financialresourcesandcommitmenttoknowtherisks,feeling that risks are part of their job; and failure by most media organizations to make security their priority.

Commenting on the concern, the guest of honor, MOAT Secretary General, Henry Muhanika, tressed that “Security matters cannot be ignored in Tanzania where there is rampant corruption, landconflicts,poaching,drugtraffickingandothersocialevils”

Security, is a prerequisite component in quality journalism- Dr Rioba

How to Defend Oneself● Sharerisksbysimultaneouslypublishingthesamestoryindifferentmediahouses.● Mediapractitionersshouldbecarefulnottakepositionswhentherearesomeconflicting partiesasitmaybedifficulttounderstandwhichpartyiswrongatthefirstinstance.● Journalistsmustunderstandoverhowtohandleopinions.● Mediapractitionersoughttoknowhowtohandlesituations,orevenrightfulheadlines. Evaluating threats ● Getfactsonthreatsandfindoutonhowtheycanbeaddressed.● Knowtheassociatedorsupportingsystemsandtrendsofthreatse.g.telephonemessages

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The Guest of Honour, Hon. Samiah Suluhu Hassan, Vice Chairperson of the Constituent Assembly, makes a point to members of the Constituent Assembly, during the one-day seminar by

THRDC on March 16th, 2014.

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● Evaluatepossiblereasonsbehindthethreats,whethertheyaremeanttoobstructacertain work or action.● Prepareaplanoverhowtomitigatethreats● Shareanysensitivestoriesthatmightcausecommotions● Acomprehensiveriskassessmentwilldetermineoverwhethereditorsandjournalistscan choose to continue or not.

The Coalition thus called for a clear vision and national ethos for the country, such as specialized training on tips to conduct and stay safe in IJ and formation of a strong trade union to enhance solidarity to improve the security of journalists.

Approaching journalists and Members of the Constitutional Assembly to save HRDsDid you know that the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977 does not recognize Human Rights Defenders? It is due to this reason that the THRDC embarked in a campaign to empower two key players, journalists and Members of the Constituent Assembly (MCA), whose role is to ensure HRDs insertion in the new Constitution is not ignored as the country marches towards a new Constitution.

Journalists and Members of the Constituent Assembly were both trained in Dodoma on the same day in two different sessions, moderated by Mr. Ali Uki, a lecturer of law and member of CA from Zanzibar.The seminar enjoyed publicity and has some immediate impact in both the media and within the Assembly.

Hon. Prof Ibrahim Lipumba makes his contribution at the Constituent Assembly in Dodoma.

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P a r t i c i p a n t s attentively listening to the facilitator (not in the picture)

Panic button App: Security at the finger tips

Uganda, May 5-6 – There is a sigh of relief by Human Rights defenders following a pilot training of the long-awaited Panic button Android mobile application designed by Amnesty International (AI and Google to help protect human rights defenders and other individuals at risk.

THRDC had a rare opportunity to attend a three-day panic button pilot training in Kampala; organized by the AI and the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP).

The panic button is an SMS alert smart phone application, currently used in android 4 and above. The App sends instant messages, including location, derived from Google map to 3 contacts by rapidly pressing the phones power button.

The panic button will be released before 2015, and is now working with human rights defenders networks in three regions, East and Horn of Africa, Central America and the Philippines.

THRDCwillbecertifiedtotrainotherpeopletousetheapplicationintheensuingmonths,includingdistributing handsets and establishing feedback goals with them.

Happy participants, nothing beats the feeling of being secured

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Physical and Digital training on Security

Uganda, SEPT 18 – 19, - The THRDs Coalition took part in a ten-day training on physical security in Kampala. The session was organized by the African Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP). The session meant to maximize the protection of human rights defenders working in the sub-region of the East and Horn of Africa. It further meant to enhance awareness of human rights work through support to human rights defenders.

Participants from Kenya, Sudan, Egypt, Zimbabwe and Tanzania were all trained on physical security management; the training cycle; action plan and digital security. The training provided HRDs with expert knowledge on security management and necessary tools on planning, designing and conducting effective security management training.

Melkizedek Boka from THRDC makes his contribution during the session.

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Safer than ever

Better alive, better safe - Success story from protection desk TheTHRDChassuccessfullyestablishedandmaintainedaProtectionDeskforthefirsttimeeverin Tanzania. The Protection desk has made an assessment of emergency cases of human rights defenders at risk, and thus allocated resources and support like emergence evacuation, reallocation, legal support, and counseling medical support.

Our motto is “a human rights defender is better alive than dead”, but when your family is in danger because of your work, we shield it.”

THRDC made it possible to ensure safety of a Managing Editor of a monthly magazine, Africa Tomorrow, Mr. Christopher Kidanka, who faced frequent threatening intrusions at his residence, and stalking by strangers.

Kidanka’s predicament affected both his normal life and his professional duties, including an investigative story that according to him was to appear in the third issue of the Africa Tomorrow Magazine. Efforts by the Coalition made it possible for Kidanka and his family whose lives were threatened to acquire a temporary shelter and they are now backing to their residence safer than ever.

Managing Editor of Africa Tomorrow Magazine, Mr. Christopher Kidanka, (1st left) narrates his ordeal at a press conference. Beside him, is the Coalition’s National Coordinator Mr. Onesmo

Olengurumwa

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Kassimu Mikongolo, a journalist who was evacuated from Mtwara after his house had been set on fire had this to say to the Protection Desk;

“Kwakweli nashukuru sana THRDC kwa msaada walionipa, sipati picha kama kungekuwa hakuna chombo kama hiki hapa nchini; maisha yangu yangekuwa hatarini.Kwa sasa naishi kwenye sehemu salama niliyopangishiwa na THRDC”

“I really appreciate and thank THRDC for the protection rendered to me. I can’t imagine how my life would have been had it not been for the existence of this organization in the country. My life would have been in danger. I now live in a secure place, paid for by the THRDC.”

Rapid response mechanism for HRDs’ in Africa discussed SouthAfrica,March27-28–CrisisManagementiscrucialineveryfieldaswellasineverythingahumanbeingdoes.

Crisis may at times be anticipated, yet in some cases it can be unpredictable in both instances. Human Rights Defenders in Africa need a Rapid Response Mechanism during times of crisis.

THRDC National Coordinator, Onesmo Olengurumwa, joined other African actors, including representatives from the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights and United Nations Commission on Human Rights at a conference Organized by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and Open Society Initiative (OSIEA) to support the cause.

This seminar aimed at building response capacity among HRDs during protection, as regional networking and integration can improve unity and solidarity. The content of the discussions included among others, the working environment for human rights defenders in Africa, what ought to done to improve networking and solidarity among human rights defenders, the concept of safe spaces for the defense of human rights, mechanisms for rapid response work and possible post-conference steps taken towards the establishment of a rapid response mechanism.

Invitees to this workshop were civil society groups involved in the defense of human rights in Eastern, Southern and Western Africa. Other invited guests were the Director of Frontline International, Ms Mary Lawlor and the UN Special Rapporteur Mrs. Margareth Sekaggya.

HRDs from across Africa pose for a group photo after the session in Pretoria.

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A protection strategy meeting, an opportune for advocacy

The Coalition- had a golden opportunity to identify advocacy areas in need of quick response such as UPR process and CSOs shadow reports on human rights situation in the country and is currently working on it.

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Onesmo Olengurumwa with Mrs Margaret Sekaggya - former UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Pretoria during the Regional Meeting on Protection Strategies.

Participants from THRDC Secretariat, representatives from Avocats Sans Frontieres and East African Law Society pose for a group photo.

THRDC celebrates the inclusion of HRDs Protection Measures in the East Africa Community Human Rights Plan

An advocacy meeting in support and protection of human rights defenders in the region of the African GreatLakesandEasternAfricawasheldattheTHRDCOfficeinDaresSalaamwithrepresentativesfrom Avocats Sans Frontieres and East Africa Law Society.

The inclusion of specific protectionmeasures for HRDS in the EAC second Plan ofAction onPromotion and Protection of Human Rights in East Africa (2014-2017) (the PoA) were celebrated and discussed.

Participants from THRDC Secretariat, representatives from Avocats Sans Frontiers and East Africa Law Society shared the situation of HRDs in East Africa and found that they face a lot of challenges and are exposed to attacks, threats, intimidation and harassment in connection to their human rights activities.

The PoA was reviewed to identify all articles which have the HRDs elements. Participants came to the conclusion that PoA develop a strong mechanism for protection of HRDs and oblige state partners to implement and respect all of its provision. Tanzanian representatives from the Ministries ofEACAffairs,ConstitutionandLegalAffairs,OfficeofAttorneyGeneral,werefoundtohavebeenreluctant to adopt and ratify PoA.

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Institutional Building

BOARD RETREATThe two days used for retreat was productive to board members, staff and the welfare of the Coalition. Among others, the Coalition managed to revisit its policies, programs and the code of conduct to improve THRDC standards and services to the public.

Apart from an internal assessment and evaluation, the retreat meant to refresh the minds of both THRDC staff and the Board on various issues such as UPR, CSOs solidarity, networking and new emerging human rights ideas.

The two days were further used to review and evaluate board performance and to build capacity on newly emerging human rights ideas such as sexual orientation and gender identity, UPR, and CSOs networking to both Board Members and staff.

Board members pondering on a matter

Board PerformanceAt least 75% of Board Members attended almost all Four Board Meetings in 2013. Some Board members at least missed one or two Board meetings with unavoidable reasons.

It was reported that the Board was very close to THRDC and advised the Coordinator accordingly. The Coordinator was very positive and advised them to keep up the spirit, with only minor improvements.

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Board meetings were also found to have been conducted in a manner that encourages open communication, meaningful participation and timely resolution of issues. Notably, it was reported to have been effective and that it did add value to the management

The two-day retreat was very successful as all programs were implemented as planned. This kind of retreat adds value to the life and sustainability of the Coalition as it gives time for self-evaluation. The Coalition appreciates the Open Society Foundation for its support to institutional building programs astheysignificantlycomplementothereffortsshownbyotherTHRDCpartners.

Management Accounting for Non Government OrganizationThe Coalitions accountant, Minza Fimbo was privileged to attend a Management Accounting for Non Government Organization (MANGO) at Nairobi together with participants from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and North Sudan.

The training aimedat providing key roles of financialmanagement, important aspect of a goodpractice in financialmanagementsaswell as tounderstand the fourbuildingblocksof financialcontrol which are : Financial Planning, Accounting Records , Financial Monitoring and Internal Control.

Thegainedknowledgewillbeusefulinpreparingfinancialreportsandstatements,updatingfinancialmanual, budget presentations and many others.

Financial management for a better coalition

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LHRC’s senior finance officer, Michael Silvan Sariko sharing his best practice on internal control for NGOs.

Participant from UTS presenting group work

Tanzania, July 25-26 - THRDChasupdateditsfinancialmanual,conductedseveralinternalauditsystems,improveinternalfinancialcontrolsandissuesoffinancialsustainabilityfollowingtheinternalauditreportandatwodaysfinancetrainingwhichwasheldatBahariBeachaimingatOrganisationaldevelopment.

Thefactthatthetrainingtargetedbothfinanceandnonfinanceofficerssurprisedmanyasoneofthemsaid“Ihaveneverattendedfinancialmanagementtrainingbefore,Iwasthinkingfinancialissueshavenothingtodowithnonfinanceofficesbutthisworkshophasaddedvaluetomyworkasaprogrammeofficer”.

The training was facilitated by an American Organisation preceded by a one day internal audit

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whereby THRDC commissioned a Financial Management Consultant, Mr Dunstan Kaijage for both traininginfinancialmanagementsystemandalsoreviewoftheexistingsystem.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS ABOARD

We are pleased to welcome our new THRDC board members who were elected in the third Annual General Meeting. We could never be happier especially knowing the knowledge they will bring with them at the THRDC.

The new members namely, Vicky Alice Ntetema, Michael Samuel Kyande and Kenneth Weston Simbaya ,have replaced Ms. Tike Mwambipile of TAWLA and Hamisa Mmanga of ZAFELA, who havefinishedtheirtermasrequiredforbytheorganization’sConstitution.

The major change in the Coalition’s Board took place in Dar es Salaam during the third Annual General Meeting (AGM) which took place on September 19 The AGM also elected focal persons and approved: new thematic groups representatives, who were appointed by the national coordinator, and 15 new members.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the highest THRDs-Coalition governing organ supported by the Board of Directors (BODs) which is made up of nine (9) members based on representation of the THRDs-Coalition stakeholders and thematic representation. In the current BODs 4 (45%) members are women.

2014 AGM Proceedings

TheBODsisagoverningandpolicymakingorganoftheCoalition,itputsforwardfinancialstrategiesfortheCoalition,controlsthefinanceandidentifyresourcesforsustainabilityofthecoalition.Thetenureoftheofficeofdirectorsisthree(3)yearssubjecttorenewal.

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Introducing Vicky Alice Ntetema Vicky Alice Ntetema (Ms) is a vocal Tanzanian activist and an award-winning journalist. She is knowledgeable and skilled in print and electronic media, including investigative journalism, IT, leadership, communication, negotiating and management. Vicky has over twenty five years ofexperience, working directly with communities focusing on journalism, human rights protection and management.

She pursued her MA in Journalism from Byelorussian State University, Minsk, Byelorus, MSc. in Information Systems Development – Software Engineering from University of London – London School of Economics and Political Science, UK. She further attained a Diploma in African Performing ArtsfromAfroInternationalTheatreProduction,CertificateinManagementStudiesfromCommunityRootsCollege,LondonW3,UKandCertificateinTeachingRussianLanguagefromByelorussianState University, Minsk, Byelorus.

Currently, she is the Executive Director of the Under the Same Sun (UTSS), a non-governmental organization in Tanzania that aims at protecting people with albinism in the country.

Previously, she worked with BBC World Service Tanzania, holding different position, including the Bureau Chief, Head of BBC World Service in Tanzania, Producer/ Presenter in different years, starting from 1991 to 2009. She also worked with Afro International Theatre Productions in UK as a ProjectSupervisorforfiveyearsbeforejoiningBBCWorldServiceTanzania.

She has done volunteering and consultancy with reputable Organizations, both national and international, including UNESCO Tanzania, Sengerema Telecenter , FM Radio Station, BBC World Service with UNDP and National Electoral Commission (NEC), but to mention a few.

She has been awarded the International Women’s Media Foundation 2010 Courage in Journalism Award, and the Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Award in 2009.

Meet Michael Samuel Kyande

MichaelSamuelKyande isa Financeexpert withover twentyyearsofexperience in thefield,working as Finance Manager, Finance and Administration Manager, Assistant accountant, Project Accountant,JustificationOfficer,InternalAuditor,Zonalaccountant,PayrollAccountant,ProcurementManager, Human Resources Officer,AccountsAssistant and FinancialAccountant in different

THRDC 2014 AGM

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Organizations including CNFA (Citizen Network for Foreign Affairs) Washington DC – ADTP – Agro, Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF phases I & II), Tanzania Electric Supply Company Ltd.

Currently, he is the Head of Finance and Administration at the Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA), a Human Rights Organisation found to promote equal rights and access to all by focusing on vulnerable and marginalized groups, especially women and children.

Kyande attended and successfully passed the CPA (Final Stage; Module “E” Examinations). He holdstheAdvancedDiplomainAccountancy–IFMandNationalBookKeepingCertificateNABOCE- (NBAA)

He has also attended various short courses within and outside the country. He is profound, experienced,andrenownedinhisfinancialcareer.HeisknowledgeableandskilledinOfficeStart-up, bank accounts opening, setting-up financial procedures, cash and petty cashmanagement,financialreporting,internalaudit,justification,andfinancialaccountingsystemadministrationwithSCALA, VOTE BOOK and EPICOR.

Keneth Wetson Simbaya Keneth Wetson Sambaya is a self-motivated development worker and the incumbent President for the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC).

KenethisaholderofadvancedCertificateofSecondaryEducationandDiplomainEducationfromKorogweTeachersCollege.Hehasacertificate inManagementSkillsandhasattendedvarioustrainings in relation to media.

Keneth, who in 1999 diverged from the teaching profession at the Highlands Secondary School in search for a more challenging job and career growth, is highly experienced in the media profession and has worked with reputable media, including IPP.

Keneth has also worked with SPW Tanzania- the current Restless Development Tanzania, and has contributed individual write-ups in the Daily Mail, Nipashe and The Guardian Newspapers.

24

Harusi Mpatani, Executive Director ZLSC

Dr Helen Kijo-BisimbaExecutive Director, LHRC

Mr Saed KubeneaChief Editor,

MwanaHALISI

Mr Kenneth Simbaya President, UTPC

Vicky NtetemaExecutive Director, Under

the Same Sun (UTSS)

Mr Joseph Parsambei Tanzania Pastoralists Communities (TPCF)

Mr Ernest Kimaya NjamaChairperson, Tanzania

Albino Society

Mr Michael Samuel Kyande Head of Finance and

Administration, at TAULA

25

Ms Martina KabisamaExecutive Director SAHRiNGON

& Board Chairperson

THE CURRENT BOARD

THRD Coalition, Plot No. 355, Near Polisi Mabatini, P.O.Box 105926, Kijitonyama Dar es Salaam, Phone +255 783 172 394, Email: info@thrd.co.tz, defenderscoalition@rocketmail.com, thrddefenders@gmail.com

www.thrd.or.tz