Mbabane – the United Nations Resident Coordinator Eswatini, George Wachira, has urged the country to deepen its commitment to dignity, equality and justice for all emaSwati.
Speaking during the Human Rights Day commemoration held at the Mbabane Theatre Club, Wachira said this year’s theme, “Human Rights Day: Our Everyday Essentials,” was a reminder that rights are not abstract ideals but daily necessities that shape access to health care, education, justice and protection from discrimination.
He warned that globally, the human rights framework is under strain due to widening inequalities, persistent conflicts, intolerance, the impacts of climate change and rapid technological shifts.
“The foundations of human rights are being tested, demanding renewed vigilance and action,” said Wachira
Human Rights Day celebrations coincided with the last of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Wachira noted that GBV remains a serious challenge in Eswatini and stressed that the protection of women and girls must become “an everyday essential.”
Wachira also commended the country for strengthening key oversight institutions such as the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity, and for advances under the National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-Up. He also recognised progress made under the Universal Periodic Review, particularly in access to justice, inclusion of vulnerable groups and alignment with international human rights standards.
He applauded improvements in social protection, access to essential services and policies supporting women, girls and persons with disabilities.
Despite these successes, Wachira emphasised that human rights must be protected “every day, everywhere.”
He said this requires ensuring that essential services remain efficient, accessible and corruption-free, and that young people, women, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups have meaningful opportunities to participate in national decision-making. He further encouraged Eswatini to continue strengthening institutions with the goal of attaining international status for its human rights commission.
The UN Resident Coordinator called for collective action to promote accountability, transparency and integrity within public institutions.
He urged the government and society to address discrimination and stigma in all forms, saying no one should be excluded on the basis of disability, gender, age, class or sexual orientation.
Wachira also emphasised the importance of education and awareness in building a national culture of human rights.
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