The Hindu: Page 15
Syllabus: Prelims Fact
Tanzania is forcibly relocating tens of thousands of Maasai from their ancestral lands in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Handeni district.
- Human Rights Watch reports beatings by government rangers and lack of fair consent for the move.The scheme, aimed at conserving the World Heritage site, faces international criticism.
More about the Maasai Tribe:
- Community: The Maasai are a nomadic ethnic group native to Kenya and Tanzania, known for their traditional pastoral lifestyle and cultural practices.
- Ancestral Lands: The Maasai’s ancestral lands are in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tanzania.
- Government Relocation Plan: Tanzania’s government initiated a relocation program in 2022 to move about 82,000 Maasai from Ngorongoro to Handeni district, approximately 600 kilometres away.
- Purpose of Relocation: The government claims the move is to conserve the Ngorongoro site from human encroachment, while critics argue it is for conservation and tourism benefits.
- Human Rights Concerns: Human Rights Watch reports forced evictions, beatings by government rangers, and lack of fair consent for relocation.
- International Criticism: The World Bank and European Union have withdrawn funding due to growing concerns over the displacement and rights violations.
About Human Rights Watch
- Organisation: Human Rights Watch (HRW)
- Founded: 1978
- Headquarters: New York City, USA
- Mission: To investigate and report on human rights abuses globally, advocating for justice and protection of human rights.
- Activities: Conducts research, publishes reports, and engages in advocacy to address human rights violations.
- Focus Areas: Includes civil and political rights, economic and social rights, gender equality, refugee protection, and the fight against torture and discrimination.
- Methodology: Utilises fact-finding missions, interviews with victims and witnesses, and extensive documentation to ensure accuracy and credibility in its reports.
- Global Reach: Operates in more than 100 countries, working with local and international partners to promote human rights and hold perpetrators accountable.
Key Facts About Tanzania
Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa, sharing borders with eight countries, making it one of the top 10 countries globally with the most international borders. The country also includes several significant islands such as Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia.
Capitals:
- Dar es Salaam: The administrative capital and largest city of Tanzania, serving as the country’s economic hub.
- Dodoma: The legislative capital, where the government and parliament are based.
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).
Landforms:
- Northern Region: Tanzania's northern part is home to the southern shores of Lake Victoria, the source of the River Nile.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Located in the north, this is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, renowned for its rich wildlife.
- Mountains in the Northeast: The region features Mount Meru, an active volcano, and Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
- Western Region: Home to Lake Tanganyika, the second-deepest lake in the world.
- Eastern Region: Characterized by coastal lowlands along the Indian Ocean, offering beautiful beaches and rich marine life.
UPSC Prelims PYQ : 2016
Ques: Consider the following pairs:
Community sometimes in the affairs of mentioned in the news
1. Kurd : Bangladesh
2. Madhesi : Nepal
3. Rohingya : Myanmar
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
Ans : c)
