MBABANE – A delegation from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights concluded a week-long visit to Eswatini, where it assessed the state of human rights and held talks with government officials, civil society, and international agencies.
The mission, which ran from July 14 to 20, followed an invitation from His Majesty King Mswati III and was authorised by the Eswatini Government. This marked the Commission’s first visit since 2016.
Leading the delegation was Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the Commission and Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa. He was accompanied by Commissioners Dr Litha Musyimi-Ogana and Marie Louise Abomo, both holding key portfolios in the rights of vulnerable groups across Africa.
During the visit, the delegation held meetings with the Prime Minister, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Justice, ministers, and heads of key institutions including the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration, and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
The delegation also visited correctional facilities, an elderly and disability home in Mankayane, and Mantenga Cultural Village to get a broader understanding of living conditions and rights protection in communities.
The Commission commended Eswatini’s progress in passing key laws and policies since 2016, including the Correctional Services Act, the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, and the Broadcasting Act. It also noted improvements in correctional facilities, women’s representation, access to education and healthcare, and programmes addressing HIV/AIDS.
However, the delegation raised concerns over outstanding human rights challenges. These included the slow ratification of several AU protocols, limited legal protection for human rights defenders, the impact of security laws on freedom of expression, and the lack of legislation to formalise legal aid services.
The Commission pointed to high levels of inequality, rising violence, and limited civil society participation in key processes as issues requiring urgent attention.
Recommendations were made to improve protections for children, women, and vulnerable groups, expand legal aid, prevent excessive use of force, and improve civic participation. The delegation also called for better collaboration between the government and civil society.
The visit ended with a press conference in Mbabane on July 19, where the delegation outlined its preliminary observations. A detailed report will be presented to the African Union in upcoming sessions.
Discussion about this post