MBABANE – The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs is moving forward with the finalisation of four major Bills aimed at strengthening human rights protection, improving transparency, and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups in Eswatini.
The Bills—Leadership Code of Conduct, Human Rights, Matrimonial, and Marriages—are at different stages of development. The Leadership Code of Conduct Bill is ready and awaiting tabling in Parliament. The Human Rights Bill is currently under final review and pending certification by the Attorney General. Meanwhile, the Matrimonial and Marriages Bills are being revised following input from national stakeholders.
With technical backing from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry is hosting a week-long series of stakeholder consultations, from 9 to 13 June. These sessions are taking place to clarify the objectives and implications of each Bill, equip stakeholders with knowledge needed to participate effectively in legislative processes, and ensure that public concerns are considered in the final drafts.
Consultations are also intended to build consensus among relevant actors to speed up the legislative process. According to the Ministry, these four Bills are central to improving access to justice and ensuring that the Human Rights Commission functions efficiently and serves all emaSwati.
The meetings include representatives from civil society, legal experts, government agencies, and traditional structures. Participants are being given space to interrogate the Bills and contribute recommendations that will inform the legal reforms.
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