Prof. Hamisi Malebo, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for UNESCO of Tanzania, asserted that Tanzania does not recognize the concept of indigenous peoples as defined by the UN human rights framework.
Speaking on behalf of the Tanzanian government during the 3rd Committee meeting on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Prof. Malebo responded to a report presented by Special Rapporteur José Francisco Calí Tzay.
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| Special Rapporteur José Francisco Calí Tzay |
"It is misplaced to deliberate on the right to own and manage land and the ongoing voluntary relocation of residents from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area under the umbrella of ‘rights of indigenous people,’" Prof. Malebo stated.
He explained that all land in Tanzania is publicly owned and held in trust by the President, emphasizing, "There is no private, tribal, or ancestral land in Tanzania."
He further noted that none of the over 120 tribes in the country can claim ownership of land.
Addressing allegations of forced evictions of the Maasai from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Prof. Malebo rejected these claims, stating, "The United Republic of Tanzania refutes all allegations of forced evictions in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. What is taking place is a Voluntary Relocation Program."
He clarified that the relocation program follows the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), allowing residents to apply voluntarily for relocation.
Since the program began in June 2022, Prof. Malebo reported that 1,519 households, representing 9,251 individuals and 38,794 livestock, have voluntarily relocated.
"No coercion of any form is being used," he emphasized, adding that the new relocation areas offer similar environmental conditions and resources as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The government, according to Prof. Malebo, has constructed standard housing for relocated families, provided agricultural land and communal resources, and offered transportation and food support.
He also highlighted ongoing social services in the NCA, including schools and healthcare facilities, noting that the government allocates significant funding for educational scholarships.
Despite these efforts, Prof. Malebo acknowledged the challenges posed by a growing population in the NCA.
"There is still a need for increased services for the unsustainably growing population," he said, adding that the government continues to engage with residents to address their needs.
On the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project (EACOP), Prof. Malebo affirmed that various tribes reside along the pipeline route and reiterated that all tribes in Tanzania enjoy equal rights under the law.
"The Government ensured during the design to observe free, prior, and informed consent," he emphasized, noting the importance of culturally appropriate community engagement.
In conclusion, Prof. Malebo stated that Tanzania is guided by principles of good governance, rule of law, and respect for human rights.
He assured the meeting that all relocations comply with national laws and respect pastoral rights, while balancing environmental conservation efforts.
Other delegates from Tanzania’s Permanent Mission to the UN also attended the meeting.
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