VP/HR — Anti-gay hunt in Tanzania

26.11.2018

Question for written answer E-005947-18
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Terry Reintke (Verts/ALE) , Daniele Viotti (S&D) , Tanja Fajon (S&D) , Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE) , Fabio Massimo Castaldo (EFDD) , Malin Björk (GUE/NGL) , Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) , Marietje Schaake (ALDE)

On 29 October 2018, Paul Makonda, regional commissioner for Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, ordered the public to report the name of anyone suspected of being gay and announced the creation of a special taskforce to identify and arrest them. Already, 10 men have been arrested in Zanzibar, detained and subjected to forced anal examinations before being freed on bail.

The Tanzanian Government has not taken any action so far, simply declaring that these actions only represent Makonda’s ‘own personal views’ and not those of the government.

This anti-gay hunt is part of a broader series of attacks on the LGBT community and human rights defenders in Tanzania. On 25 June 2018, the home affairs minister threatened to prosecute or deport anyone working to protect the rights of LGBT people. The Ministry of Health temporarily suspended provision of HIV and AIDS services at community level and closed drop-in centres for key populations, including men who have sex with men.

What is the EEAS doing to stop these human rights violations, in the absence of the EU Ambassador in Tanzania, who has been recalled?

What is the EU doing on the ground to support victims of ongoing homophobic attacks in Tanzania and to protect human rights defenders at risk?