The Freedom of Association in Tanzania:

Implications for Civil Society and Sustainable Development

November 1997
by Rugemeleza Nshala

INTRODUCTION

A cornerstone of democratic governance and constitutional liberalism is the freedom of association. This freedom enables people who share similar interests to come together and form organizations that represent their interests and views. The implications for civil society and NGOs as well as their efforts to promote development, social equity, and environmental management are clear. Effective advocacy is dependent on an enabling environment that provides important rights, including the freedoms of association, expression, and information. Without them, civil society has little political space and few opportunities to hold government accountable.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rugemeleza Nshala is a Co-founder and Chairman of LEAT since 1994. He holds LL.B and LL.M degrees from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Harvard Law School in the U.S. respectively. Mr. Nshala has researched and written widely on human rights, wildlife and environmental protection issues. He is a member of the Tanzanian bar.

LAWYERS' ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION TEAM

The Lawyers' Environmental Action Team is the first public interest environmental law organization in Tanzania. It was established in 1994 and formally registered in 1995 under the Societies Ordinance. Its mission is to ensure sound natural resource management and environmental protection in Tanzania. It is also involved in issues related to the establishment of an enabling policy environment for civil society, including civil liberties and human rights. LEAT carries out policy research, advocacy, and selected public interest litigation. Its membership largely includes lawyers concerned with environmental management and democratic governance in Tanzania.