About

Tanzania's youth Tanzania's future
Half the population is under the age of 18.
Tanzania's future is NOW...

The Caucus for Children’s Rights is a strong and proactive consortium of principled institutions and individuals who are passionate about the rights and welfare of children and youth. We provide a vibrant and innovative forum to replicate good practice, share learning and to speak with one voice so as to engage communities and leaders to uphold the best interests of children and young people in Tanzania. Our mission is to effectively advance the protection and empowerment of children and young people in Tanzania. (To learn more about each organisation that supports the 50% campaign, go to: Partners.)

Tanzania’s national population statistics reveal a startling truth – more than half of the country is comprised of children and youth. In 2002, it was reported that 55% of the population is 19 years of age or younger. In 2005, it was revealed that a full 45.8% of Tanzania’s population is actually under the tender age of 15. In direct response to the urgency of the situation for Tanzania’s children and its national future, the Caucus for Children’s Rights has launched a campaign to spark national awareness that Tanzania’s future depends on the treatment of Tanzania’s children today.

The 50% campaign challenges Tanzania’s lawmakers, media and civil servants to recognise the country’s startling population demographic and, consequently, to do more for Tanzania’s children and youth. 50% campaigns for legal reform so that Tanzania adheres to international standards of child rights and protection. 50% encourages key agencies and individuals to join the Caucus for Children’s Rights in piloting a child protection system in Arusha.

50% Campaign objective 1:
The public is aware of Tanzania’s startling population demographic. Half of Tanzania’s population is under the age of 18. The future depends on how we treat these youth today. You can't ignore them. They wont go away. They are 50% of Tanzania’s population.

50% Campaign objective 2:
Tanzania adheres to international standards of child rights and protection. The law should protect children. If we don’t change the law we condemn half of the population to perish. The 50% Campaign promotes the importance of Tanzania adhering to international standards of child rights and protection. Specifically the promotion of legal reform includes A High Court Litigation to Repeal the Removal of Undesirable Persons Act (RUPA) and promoting the need for quality Children’s Act.

50% Campaign objective 3:
A child protection system is piloted in Arusha, Tanzania. Key agencies and individuals buy in to the concept of piloting a child protection system in Arusha. Children will only be safe if civil society, government and families work together. Children are people with potential, not problems to be managed.

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