The Southern African
Development Community (SADC) should take concrete steps to improve respect for
human rights in Swaziland, Human Rights Watch said.
Heads of state of the SADC’s
15 members meet on 17 and 18 August 2015 in Gaborone, Botswana, for their 35th
summit.
Human Rights Watch said in a statement,
‘SADC member states have taken little action to ensure respect for human rights
and the rule of law in all southern African countries despite identifying
peace, security, and the promotion of human rights as key concerns within the
region.’
Swaziland is the only
member of SADC where political parties are banned from taking part in elections.
King Mswati III rules as sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch and he
chooses members of the government. Opposition groups are banned under the
Suppression of Terrorism Act.
Human Rights Watch said, ‘In
Swaziland, human rights conditions and respect for the rule of law have
deteriorated significantly. Restrictions on political activism and trade
unions, such as under the draconian Suppression
of Terrorism Act, violate international law, and activists and union
members risk arbitrary detention and unfair trials.
‘The independence of the
judiciary has been severely compromised, as exemplified by the grossly
unfair trial of Bhekithemba
Makhubu, the prominent editor of the country’s monthly news magazine the Nation, and Thulani
Maseko, a human rights lawyer. Both were sentenced on 25 July 2014, to two
years in prison on contempt of court charges, then released on 30 June 2015.
‘On 17 June [2015] King
Mswati III fired
Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi for “serious misbehavior” following allegations
of abuse of office and corruption. While that step won’t end corruption or
ensure respect for the rule of law, it presents an opportunity for change and
for Swaziland’s authorities – and its African neighbors – to demand an
independent judiciary.’
Human Rights Watch said ‘In
recent years, SADC governments have taken retrogressive steps on rights,
weakening and undermining the SADC tribunal and its mandate for human rights
protection. In May 2011, SADC leaders dissolved the tribunal as it was then
formed and in August 2014 adopted a new protocol for a tribunal that would be
stripped of the authority to receive complains from individuals or
organizations in the region. A proposed new tribunal will rule only on disputes
between member states.
‘“Action to strengthen
the SADC human rights tribunal is a litmus test for its commitment to human
rights,” said Dewa Mavhinga, senior
Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch.
‘“SADC leaders should
change course and restore the tribunal’s power to receive and rule on human
rights cases from individuals in member states.”’
See also
SWAZI
HUMAN RIGHTS WORSEN: AMNESTY
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH ON SWAZILAND
‘STAND UP TO SWAZI KING’, UNIONS URGED
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