RESIDENTS of Pemba Island have been urged to submit their complaints regarding human rights violations and breaches of good governance principles to the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governace (CHRAGG) to seek redress.

Mohammed Masoud, a lawyer with CHRAGG’s Pemba branch, made the remarks at the weekend while providing education on the commission’s mandate during an open meeting organized by the Department of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Zanzibar, held at Mlalashi Village in Wete District, North Pemba Region.

The lawyer also told Pemba residents that one of CHRAGG’s key roles is to receive and hear complaints related to human rights violations free of charge while educating the community on the importance of protecting human rights in accordance with good governance principles, especially ahead of the upcoming 2025 elections.

Masoud urged residents to protect their own rights as well as the rights of others, and advised villagers not to be a source of rights violations within the community, including taking matters into their own hands in cases of dispute or abuse.

“It has become common that when rape cases occur in communities, families gather together to seek a resolution, including forcing marriages between the parties involved, which is another legal offense,” he said.

Masoud also invited Pemba residents to visit CHRAGG offices in Chake Chake, South Pemba, to submit complaints if they feel their rights have been violated.

Opening the meeting, Sheha of Mjananza Shehia, Hamad Said Ali, said the presence of lawyers in his shehia was very positive, contributing significantly to residents’ understanding of legal matters, the mandate of CHRAGG and human rights issues.

Bakari Ali Omar, Head of Pemba Division for Constitution and Legal Aid, urged residents to continue submitting complaints to legal assistants in their shehias even after the meetings conclude.

Salma Bakar Abdulla, Legal Officer at the Department of Constitution and Legal Aid in Zanzibar, said the open meetings across Pemba aimed to reach all residents and educate them on the meaning and foundations of human rights.

She further explained that rights violations have been observed in communities, sometimes due to ignorance or lack of understanding. To address this, the department, in partnership with UNDP established a system for directly reaching out to residents.

“It is important for citizens to take advantage of meetings like this, asking questions and seeking clarification on legal challenges they face, including birth certificates, land disputes and compensation matters,” she said.