Save the Children is calling for urgent action to strengthen child protection systems in Tanzania following a series of recent cases of violence, abuse, and exploitation against children reported across the country. The organisation warns that these incidents are not isolated tragedies but indicators of broader systemic gaps that continue to put children at risk. Save the Children urges government institutions, law enforcement agencies, community leaders, parents, teachers, and the public to work together to prevent violence, ensure justice for affected children, and create safe environments where every child can grow up free from fear, abuse, and harm.
DAR ES SALAAM, 17 June 2026 – The recent spike in incidents of horrific violence, abuse, and exploitation against children across Tanzania represents a violation of children’s fundamental rights, and our protection systems must urgently be reinforced to prevent further harm, said Save the Children.
The child rights organisation is deeply saddened and concerned at the string of reports this year of violence and abuse against children across the country. In January 2026, three young children aged 4 to 8 were brutally murdered in Mbeya, according to local news reports. Months later, reports from Tanga exposed the agonizing reality of a young girl subjected to years of sexual abuse while her immediate environment remained silent. On May 12, a 14-year-old child, Shabani Sadick, was reportedly strangled to death by a neighbor in the Arusha Region. The Arusha Regional Police Commander, Justine Masejo, confirmed the incident and stated that police investigations are underway. On the same day, videos circulated on social media showing an 11-year-old child being beaten by adult men who had taken the law into their own hands over allegations of stealing mirrors. When questioned, the child said he had been sent by his older brother to carry out the theft. On 16 June 2026, Mwananchi newspaper reported the tragic killing of three children from the same family in Kilimahewa Village, Lindi Region. The victims, identified as Kulwa (7 years), Doto (7 years), and Rehema (6 years), were allegedly strangled to death. According to the Regional Police Commander, John Imori, the body of Doto was found with both thumbs missing.
These heartbreaking cases are not just headlines; they represent a severe violation of children's fundamental rights and a reminder that our protection systems must be urgently reinforced.
As an organization dedicated to the well-being and protection of children, Save the Children cannot and will not remain silent.
Speaking on the situation, Ms Angela Kauleni, Save the Children Tanzania Country Director, stated:
"Every single child has an absolute right to be protected from harm. What we are seeing in the media recently is a loud distress signal. We applaud the Tanzanian media for breaking the silence and bringing these dark realities into the light. However, exposure must be met with aggressive, coordinated action. We cannot afford to treat these cases as isolated incidents; they are systemic failures that require a cultural and structural shift. We must act now to ensure that when a child speaks up, there is a strong, compassionate, and functional system ready to respond with immediate care, dignity, and justice."
“Our global breakthrough goal is unequivocal: violence against children must no longer be tolerated. Yet, the recent surge in media-reported abuse highlights that far too many children are still facing physical, emotional, and sexual violence in places where they should feel safest: their homes, schools, and communities. Recent data underscores that the scale of this crisis remains critical, with hundreds of children continuing to suffer in silence due to fear, stigma, and deeply entrenched social norms that treat child discipline and abuse as private family matters.
These are not isolated tragedies; they are a severe indictment of the protective gaps evading our society. The cases raise serious concerns about child protection, violence against children, and the increasing tendency of communities to use mob justice instead of lawful procedures.”
While Save the Children commends the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for its commitment through the second National Plan of Action to End Violence against Women and Children (NPA-VAWC II), the gap between policy and daily reality for a child remains dangerously wide.
Through our ongoing initiatives, such as the “Break the Silence”, Save the Children is actively working to strengthen community child protection mechanisms, scale up evidence-based positive parenting support, and establish safe Child Protection Desks in schools. But NGOs and the government cannot work in isolation.
Save the Children calls upon all sectors of society to take immediate action:
To Law Enforcement and the Judiciary: Accelerate the investigation and prosecution of all reported child abuse cases to ensure perpetrator accountability and deter future violations.
To Local Government and Community Leaders: Strengthen and adequately resource local child protection teams at the council and village levels to ensure early identification and safe referral pathways for at-risk children.
To Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers: Reject corporal punishment and embrace non-violent, nurturing discipline. We must transform the harmful social norm that views violence against children as acceptable.
To the Public: Break the silence. Safeguarding children is a collective responsibility. Report any suspected cases of abuse immediately to local authorities or through national child helpline resources.
We must build a Tanzania where homes are safe havens, schools are sanctuaries for learning, and every child can grow up free from fear. Save the Children stands ready to deepen its collaboration with the government, civil society partners, and communities to turn national commitments into concrete, life-saving protection for every boy and girl across the country.
ENDS
About Save the Children:
Save the Children Tanzania has been working in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania to advance the rights of children since 1986, implementing programs across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. We focus on ensuring children survive, learn, and are protected from all forms of abuse, exploitation, violence, and digital harm.
Media Contact:
Victoria Marijani
Senior Manager Advocacy, Communication, Media, Campaign and Gender
