On 14th May 2026, FUWAVITA convened a soft launch event for its “Safeguarding Policy Survivor - Legal Organisation,” a policy framework aimed at protecting children with disabilities from violence and abuse. The event brought together disability inclusion experts, law enforcement officers, human rights advocates, and leaders of organisations representing persons with disabilities to review and strengthen the policy through collaborative engagement.
The meeting reflected a strong spirit of partnership among ESS Creative and Legal Foundation, FUWAVITA, police officers from gender desks, Human Rights Defenders Organisations, and Persons with Disability Organisation leaders. Participants discussed practical approaches to preventing violence against children with disabilities and ensuring that safeguarding mechanisms respond effectively to their unique communication and protection needs.
Supported by Ignite Philanthropy, the session provided an opportunity for stakeholders to examine the policy in detail, identify gaps, and offer recommendations for improvement before its wider implementation. The discussions focused on strengthening legal protection, improving reporting mechanisms, and ensuring accessible support systems for children with disabilities who experience violence or abuse.
Among the contributors was Erick Mukiza, Executive Director of ESS Creative and Legal Foundation and an accredited mediator. During the discussions, he noted that the draft policy lacked provisions related to Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, particularly mediation. He emphasized the importance of including mediation processes in cases involving disputes between children with disabilities and other parties, stating that amicable dispute resolution can help protect the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of children while promoting peaceful and inclusive outcomes.
The event demonstrated the importance of multi stakeholder collaboration in advancing disability inclusion and child protection in Tanzania. Through the combined efforts of civil society organisations, disability leaders, law enforcement agencies, and development partners, the initiative marks an important step toward creating safer environments for disability community and strengthening systems that prevent violence against children with disabilities.
Disability inclusion experts, law enforcement officers, human rights advocates, and leaders of organisations representing persons with disabilities
Erick Mukiza, Executive Director of ESS emphasizing the importance of including mediation processes in cases involving disputes between deaf children and other parties