Eswatini Commemorates International Human Rights Day, Calls for Collaborative Action on Justice and Dignity

National Commemoration in Mbabane

Eswatini officially commemorated International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2025, with a significant event held at the Mbabane Theatre Club. The commemoration was hosted by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, through the Eswatini Commission on Human Rights & Public Administration/Integrity (CHRPA), under the theme 'Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials'. This gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society representatives, development partners, diplomatic missions, and community groups, to reflect on the state of human rights in the country.

Key Issues and Stakeholder Emphasis

Discussions at the event highlighted several critical challenges facing the nation. Participants emphasized the importance of justice and dignity, while also addressing specific social injustices such as land disputes, abuse of power, the exclusion of youth and people with disabilities, gender-based violence (GBV), and the abuse of the LGBTQ+ community. The Commissioner of the CHRPA, Zwelethu Mnisi, underscored that human rights 'are not mere ideals to be aspired to, but are essential components of our daily lives'.

A similar commemoration in 2024, held at the Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane under the theme 'Fostering Collaboration to Advance Human Rights', also saw the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, HRH Prince Simelane, express concern over rising cases of gender-based violence. He also highlighted legislative advancements, including the Leadership Code of Conduct Bill and the Human Rights and Public Administration Bill, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and protecting vulnerable populations. A panel discussion in 2024 also explored the role of culture and indigenous knowledge, specifically the practice of 'Buntfu'—a tradition of mutual respect and community solidarity—in upholding human rights.

International Calls for Stronger Protection

The European Union Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg, speaking at the 2025 event, urged Eswatini's authorities and communities to strengthen efforts in protecting and promoting human rights. He noted that despite global and regional legal frameworks, freedoms remain under threat and inequality persists. The United Nations has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Eswatini's human rights efforts, particularly through the upcoming UN Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030. In 2024, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. George Wachira (represented by Ms. Amina Mohammed), emphasized the importance of prioritizing economic and social rights to strengthen political rights.

Ongoing Human Rights Concerns

Despite these commemorations and calls for action, various international reports highlight persistent human rights challenges in Eswatini. Organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, along with the U.S. State Department, have documented concerns including:

• Extrajudicial killings, notably the unsolved assassination of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko in January 2023.
• Repression of political dissent and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.
• A lack of accountability for abuses committed by security forces.
• Widespread gender-based violence and challenges to the rights of LGBTI people.

These reports underscore a challenging environment for human rights defenders and activists, with calls for independent investigations into alleged abuses.