The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) successfully convened its 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 24 July 2026 at Mlimani City, Dar es Salaam, bringing together 215 participants, including member organizations from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, the Board of Directors, development partners, invited guests, and the THRDC Secretariat. The meeting was held under the theme "Re-imagining Human Rights Funding in Tanzania: Driving Innovation, Investment, and Domestic Resource Mobilization for Human Rights Defenders."

As Coalition’s highest decision-making body, the AGM provided a platform for members to review THRDC's achievements over the past year, assess organizational performance, approve audited financial statements, discuss governance and policy matters, and adopt strategic resolutions that will guide the Coalition's future direction. Members reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening accountability, transparency, and the long-term sustainability of the human rights movement in Tanzania.

During the meeting, members acknowledged the Coalition's significant progress in protecting Human Rights Defenders, strengthening institutional systems, expanding membership, enhancing advocacy and policy engagement, and building strategic partnerships despite the increasingly challenging civic and funding environment. The AGM also reviewed the implementation of resolutions adopted during the previous Annual General Meeting and commended the Secretariat for the progress achieved while encouraging continued efforts in areas requiring further improvement.

A key outcome of the AGM was the approval of the Coalition's Annual Report and audited financial statements, reflecting members' confidence in THRDC's governance, financial management, and institutional accountability. The meeting further admitted 72 new member organizations, strengthening the Coalition's national network, while deliberating on membership compliance in accordance with the Coalition's Constitution.

The AGM also considered proposed amendments to the Guidelines on Members' Involvement in Political Affairs. Following extensive deliberations, members resolved to defer the adoption of the proposed amendments to allow additional consultation and ensure that future revisions are well-informed, inclusive, and responsive to members' concerns.

In recognition of outstanding commitment to the Coalition's values and compliance standards, 11 member organizations, representing all THRDC zones across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, received Certificates of Appreciation. The awards were presented by the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Emmanuel Nchimbi, in recognition of their exemplary contribution to strengthening the Coalition.

Another major highlight of the AGM was the continued advancement of the Watetezi House Project, a flagship initiative aimed at establishing a secure and sustainable facility dedicated to the protection, coordination, capacity building, advocacy, and wellbeing of Human Rights Defenders in Tanzania. Members welcomed the progress made in mobilizing resources for the project, with 59 pledges amounting to TZS 27,420,000, demonstrating growing national commitment to strengthening the resilience of the human rights movement.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of several strategic resolutions focusing on strengthening domestic resource mobilization, enhancing governance and accountability, improving member engagement, expanding strategic partnerships, and accelerating the implementation of organizational priorities before the next AGM. Members also emphasized the importance of innovation, digital transformation, and collective action in ensuring that THRDC remains a strong and sustainable platform for protecting and promoting human rights in Tanzania.

Closing the meeting, participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing human rights, strengthening institutional resilience, and working collaboratively to build a more sustainable future for Human Rights Defenders across Tanzania