03 March 2016, Banjul, The Gambia - The Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Secretariat) wishes to inform the general public that, at the invitation of the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) will undertake a Promotion Mission to the Kingdom of Swaziland from 07 to 11 March 2016.
This Mission, which is part of the Commission’s promotion mandate, is being undertaken in accordance with Article 45(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter). The objectives of the Mission include amongst others, to: promote the African Charter and other regional and international human rights instruments, strengthen relations between the Commission and the Kingdom of Swaziland, engage with relevant stakeholders, exchange views on ways and means of enhancing the enjoyment of human rights in the country, and seek information on human rights issues of particular concern to the Commission, including: freedom of expression and access to information; issues relating to prisons and conditions of detention; matters pertaining to the abolition of the death penalty; freedom of association and assembly; independence of the judiciary; rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS ; and information regarding the impact of the extractive industries sector on human rights and the environment.
The Commission’s Delegation will be composed of Honourable Commissioner Pansy Tlakula, the Chairperson of the Commission, Commissioner Rapporteur for the Human Rights Situation in the Kingdom of Swaziland and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa; and Honourable Commissioner Solomon Dersso, the Chairperson of the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa.
During the Mission, the Delegation of the Commission will meet with officials from relevant Government ministries, civil society organisations, a cross-section of human rights actors in the country, as well as other individuals and institutions who may enlighten the Commission on the general human rights situation in the Kingdom of Swaziland.
At the end of the mission, the Delegation will brief the relevant authorities of the Kingdom of Swaziland and a press conference will be held. Thereafter, a Report of the Mission will be tabled before the Commission for consideration and adoption at one of its upcoming sessions.
For further information, please contact:
The Secretariat of the Commission
31 Bijilo Annex Layout, Kombo North District
Western Region.
P.O Box 673 Banjul, The Gambia
Tel: 220 4410505/6; 2304361
Fax: 220 4410504
E-mail: au-banjul@africa-union.org
