HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER

Backgound

The Human Rights Centre of the St. Augustine University of Tanzania was established in 2006 as to the rise on violation of human rights particularly the killing of elderly women in association with witchcraft. At this time, we had series of breaking news and several media coverages on the attacks and slaughtering of the red eyed elderly women on allegations of witchcraft beliefs. It was a serious and undue violation of the right to freedom as guaranteed in the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, and course a denial of the right to life.

The University has always been vigilant to mitigate and rescue situations harmful to fundamental human rights. The establishment of this center is an example, and is among other professional services rendered at SAUT either free of charge or at reasonable prices in consideration of people’s income. The Center maintains this reputation of having genuine sense of responsibility and a sincere concern for the welfare of others. We have always been considerable and we care for people.

Mission Statement

Human rights are partly attributed by lack of civic (spiritual, social, legal) educational knowledge. The Center’s central mission is to impart this knowledge so as to broaden the people’s understandings by providing desired education to our target society in so that they understand, protect and respect human rights.

Community Practice

The Center has strong relationship with the community that makes ideally suited to provide; intellectual personality and capacity building, knowledge generation to the society, integrated with the society in and around the University campus to support different activities and to find new approach to meet the University goal.

Collaboration Across Units

The University has identified itself as an institution for excellency in academic, research and publication under the Catholic Identity and Values. The Center is part of the University administrative and managerial structures and also is collaborating with different organizations within and outside the University. For instance, the Center is collaborating with the Tanzania Human Rights Commission and Good Governance, Tanganyika Law Society, Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Association and other area of collaboration.

Integration of Students Services

The Human Rights Center has so far established the Student Human Rights Club cutting across all the faculties with the aim of building individual capacity on social, legal and civic matters. The Center will oversee students’ activities, advising and tutoring to maximize the efficiency advocacy and lobbying on legal and human rights matters.

Scholarly Work

The Center offers different scholarly work that includes the following activities; to conduct research and publication, consultation, legal Aid Services, training and Workshops/seminars.

School of Law Development

The Center develops academic experience to the staff members and staff finds new outlets for their work as scholars, providing grant workshops for the School and staff and to promote the visibility of the School of Law, through training and outreach programmes.

Center Administration

The Center structure as specified;

(i) The Office of the Vice Chancellor,

(ii) The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs,

(iii) The Dean -School of Law,

(iv) The Director of the Human Rights Center,

(v) The Deputy Director of the Human Rights Center,

(vi) The Financial Controller/Bursar,

(vii) Administrative Secretary-Human Rights Center.

Advisory Board

The Board helps the Center to gain new insights, funds and advice to solve the problem or to have new opportunities. The role of an advisory board is to advice on issues concerning human rights and the welfare of the Centre.