DEPRIVATION OF THE RIGHT TO LIFE AMONG INTIMATE PARTNERS: CAUSES AND CIRCUMSTANCES ASSOCIATED WITH HOMICIDE ACTS: ANALYSIS OF DECIDED COURT CASES IN TANZANIA

Abstract

This paper analyses decided cases on the causes and circumstances associated with the deprivation of the Right to Life among people who are in intimate partnerships. 

The paper also discusses important concepts under the deprivation of Right to Life among intimate partners. And also describes the legal framework of the Right to Life under Human Rights at International, Regional and Domestic level.

The findings show that deprivation of the right to life among intimate partners is associated with infidelity acts, suspicion of extramarital affairs, unfriendly communication invoking emotions, controlling behaviours, and loose applicable laws. Female partners are the most vulnerable group and victims of the right to life violation. 

Incorporating lessons on Human Rights and emphasis on the Right to life into the curricula of the education system in Tanzania can play a very important gear towards the start of eliminating intimate partner violence (IPV) and its associated consequences since children will be taught from their very early ages the importance of protecting one’s human rights. And this can also play an intervention role to children who are exposed to violent acts within their families and communities as well

Since IPV leads to physical and psychological consequences resulting to severe health injuries and leading to some deaths. Then, on the side of survivors, protection of individuals’ physical and social wellbeing become a must. This paper finds that the Government need to take affirmative actions including law reforms so that to meet the principles of natural justice in administration of justice within the judicial system, especially on murder charges resulted from intimate partner violence. And community members on the other side, need to respect each other’s fundamental human rights.