HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN ESWATINI: THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S RESPONSE

Eswatini’s human rights crisis continues to worsen, yet the international community’s response remains inadequate. As the monarchy escalates its repression of dissent, activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens face arbitrary detention, torture, and even death for daring to demand democracy. The global response, characterized by cautious condemnation and limited action, has so far failed to hold the Eswatini government accountable for its egregious violations of human rights.

The events of recent years, particularly the violent crackdown on the 2021 pro-democracy protests, laid bare the brutality of the regime. Over 80 people lost their lives as security forces used live ammunition and excessive force against unarmed civilians. Despite repeated calls for justice, no one has been held accountable. The monarchy continues to weaponize laws like the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act (SSA) and the Suppression of Terrorism Act (STA) to target dissenters, while the judicial system serves as a tool for silencing opposition rather than upholding justice.

The silence of key international actors in the face of these violations is deeply troubling. Regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have urged dialogue but have failed to take meaningful action. While SADC sent mediators to Eswatini following the 2021 protests, their efforts lacked urgency and transparency, and the recommendations for reform were largely ignored by the monarchy. This inaction has emboldened the regime, allowing it to continue its oppressive tactics with impunity.

Beyond the region, the broader international community has also been slow to act. Although organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented the abuses in Eswatini and issued urgent calls for accountability, these efforts have not translated into concrete measures from powerful nations or global institutions. Western governments, often vocal on human rights issues, have largely refrained from imposing sanctions or leveraging diplomatic pressure on the monarchy. This restraint leaves activists on the ground and in exile feeling abandoned.

The limited response can be attributed to several factors, including Eswatini’s strategic alliances and its status as a relatively small, landlocked nation. Unlike larger geopolitical hotspots, Eswatini does not draw significant global attention. This has allowed its government to operate under the radar, suppressing dissent with minimal scrutiny. The monarchy’s ability to maintain control over the narrative, portraying pro-democracy movements as a threat to stability, has further shielded it from international repercussions.

Despite these challenges, the role of international advocacy cannot be underestimated. Grassroots organizations and diaspora activists have been instrumental in bringing Eswatini’s human rights crisis to the forefront. Protests and campaigns in major cities around the world, from London to Johannesburg, have highlighted the plight of Swazis and demanded justice. These efforts, coupled with the work of international human rights organizations, have kept the issue alive and pressured governments to reconsider their stance on Eswatini.

One of the most pressing demands is for targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for human rights abuses, including members of the security forces and the monarchy’s inner circle. Such sanctions would send a clear message that the international community will not tolerate impunity. Additionally, global actors must call for the repeal of repressive laws like the SSA and STA and insist on the release of political prisoners, including Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube.

The international community must also support efforts to strengthen civil society in Eswatini. Activists on the ground and in exile need resources and protection to continue their work. Governments and institutions should provide funding for advocacy campaigns, legal aid for political prisoners, and safe spaces for those fleeing persecution.

As an activist in exile, I know firsthand the importance of international solidarity. The people of Eswatini cannot fight this battle alone. The international community has a moral obligation to stand with us, to amplify our voices, and to hold the monarchy accountable for its actions. This is not just a fight for democracy in Eswatini—it is a fight for justice, dignity, and the fundamental rights that should be guaranteed to all.

Eswatini’s human rights crisis demands more than words; it demands action. The time for cautious diplomacy has passed. The international community must recognize that its inaction only strengthens the monarchy’s grip on power. The people of Eswatini have shown incredible courage in standing up to oppression. Now, it is up to the world to show that their sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we can build the momentum needed to bring about meaningful change and ensure that justice is no longer delayed or denied.

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THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUALITY: LGBTI RIGHTS IN ESWATINI

In Eswatini, the fight for democracy and human rights is incomplete without addressing the persistent marginalization and discrimination faced by the LGBTI community. Despite international advocacy and the courageous efforts of activists, LGBTI people in Eswatini continue to endure systemic oppression, both legally and socially. August 2022 marked another chapter in this ongoing struggle, as Eswatini’s government doubled down on its refusal to recognize the rights of LGBTI individuals, further highlighting the deep-rooted challenges faced by this community.

One of the most contentious issues is the criminalization of same-sex relationships. Under Eswatini’s legal system, consensual same-sex acts remain a criminal offense, carrying the weight of stigma and potential prosecution. While enforcement of these laws is inconsistent, their existence legitimizes discrimination and perpetuates a culture of intolerance. The monarchy and its allies have maintained that these laws reflect traditional Swazi values, ignoring the harm they inflict on individuals and communities.

In July 2022, the Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities (ESGM) group achieved a significant legal victory when the Supreme Court ruled that the Registrar of Companies’ refusal to register their organization as a nonprofit was unconstitutional. This ruling was a beacon of hope for the LGBTI community, signaling a potential shift toward greater recognition of their rights. However, the government’s response was swift and regressive. The acting Minister of Commerce and Trade rejected the ruling, citing “Roman-Dutch Law” as justification for continued discrimination. This defiance underscored the state’s unwillingness to embrace even the most basic steps toward equality.

For LGBTI individuals, the consequences of this institutionalized discrimination are far-reaching. Many face rejection from their families and communities, often leading to homelessness and economic hardship. Access to healthcare, particularly for transgender individuals and those living with HIV, is severely limited due to stigma and a lack of inclusive policies. The government’s refusal to recognize LGBTI organizations further restricts their ability to advocate for themselves and provide support to those in need.

The situation is particularly dire for LGBTI activists, who risk harassment, violence, and arrest for their advocacy. The state’s refusal to engage with or acknowledge their concerns creates an environment where they are treated as enemies of the state rather than citizens with equal rights. This hostility extends to the broader pro-democracy movement, where LGBTI voices are often sidelined despite their significant contributions to the fight for justice and equality in Eswatini.

The role of the international community is critical in addressing these injustices. Advocacy organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have highlighted the plight of LGBTI people in Eswatini and called for the decriminalization of same-sex relationships. However, progress remains slow, and global attention often wanes in the face of other pressing human rights issues. Governments and regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) must do more to pressure Eswatini’s government to respect the rights of all its citizens, including those in the LGBTI community.

Despite these challenges, the resilience of LGBTI activists in Eswatini is inspiring. Groups like ESGM continue to advocate for their rights, providing a sense of hope and solidarity for marginalized individuals. Their courage in the face of adversity is a testament to the power of collective action and the unyielding desire for justice.

The struggle for LGBTI rights in Eswatini is about more than legal recognition—it is about affirming the dignity and humanity of every individual. It is about ensuring that no one is excluded from the promise of freedom and equality that democracy represents. As an activist, I stand in solidarity with the LGBTI community in Eswatini, recognizing that their fight is intrinsically linked to the broader struggle for human rights and justice in our nation.

Eswatini cannot claim to be a just society while continuing to marginalize and discriminate against its LGBTI citizens. The fight for equality is far from over, but the courage and determination of those leading the charge offer hope for a brighter, more inclusive future. Their voices will not be silenced, and their rights will not be denied. Together, we will continue to demand a society where everyone, regardless of who they are or who they love, can live with dignity and freedom.