The human rights advocacy organization in Tanzania, Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) this year (2020) commemorates twenty-five (25) years since its inception on September 26, 1995. Since 2005, Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) recognises the outstanding human rights champions who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights, democracy, rule of law and good governance in Tanzania.

This prestigious award is known as the ” Maji Maji Human Rights Award “. The history and name of the award is derived from the honor of the Maji Maji Rebellion. The award was presented for the first time when the Legal and Human Rights Centre was celebrating 10 years since its inception in 2005. In conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Maji Maji Rebellion which is known and recognized worldwide as a liberation war against human right violations of Tanzanians and colonial rule. In this context, recognizing the contribution, duration and the ultimate goal of liberation, being free and the claim of human rights for all is where the name of this award came from.