Government of Swaziland Speech
by A.T. Dlamini (MP)
Prime Minister
during the Opening Ceremony of the 43rd Ordinary Ceremony of
the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights held at Ezulwini-Convention Centre.
7th May, 2008
Director of Ceremonies,
Your Royal Highnesses,
My Collegues Cabinet Ministers,
Acting Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights,
Commissioners of the Commission,
Your Excellencies Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Representatives of the African Union Commission, Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon
1. Introduction
1.1 From the outset allow me, on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, The Queen Mother, The Government and the people of the Kingdom of Swaziland, to cordially welcome you all to the Kingdom of Swaziland on the occasion of the 43rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human Rights and Peoples’ Rights.
1.2 His Majesty’s Government and the people of the Kingdom of Swaziland greatly appreciate your decision to hold your 43rd Session in our Kingdom.
1.3 We appreciate that you have travelled from far and wide to our Kingdom to deliberate with the African Commission, ways and means of promoting respect for Human Rights in our continent. This demonstrates your interest in the work of the African Commission in particular, and your dedication to the plight of the African people as a whole.
2. Good Governance
2.1 With the transformation of the OAU into the AU in 2001, the continent has experienced tremendous improvements in areas of good governance, democracy and respect for human rights. There has been a proliferation of independent organizations, including NGOs, which work hand in hand with African governments to improve the life and status of the African people. However, the continent is still faced with enormous challenges such as, strong institutions to support good governance. You will agree with me that good governance is still very weak and in some cases non-existent. Fundamental tenets such as respect for Human Rights, free and fair elections still evade certain parts of our continent.
3. Country's Support to the African Commission
3.1 Madam Chairperson,
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
I wish to reiterate our commitment and support to the work of the African Commission in particular and the African Union as a whole. Respect for Human Rights is the hallmark of justice, development and peace. Without respect for Human Rights there can be no peace and without peace there can be no development.
3.2 In Swaziland, His Majesty’s Government recognizes this intrinsic relationship and has taken measures to ensure that persons within the jurisdiction enjoy their Human Rights. The peace that prevails in this country is an attestation of the level of freedom in the country.
3.3 Our Constitution guarantees Human Rights for all citizens in the country. The Constitution contains a Bill of rights and several institutions to support democratic values including respect for Human Rights was adopted after a Constitution Review Committee had collected people’s views throughout the country.
3.4 The process was participatory and home grown, the population across the country was given an opportunity to indicate what they would like to be included in the constitution. The response was impressive and the final outcome is the reflection of the will of the people.
3.5 I am happy to highlight that, logistics are being put in place for the establishment of a national Human Rights commission in the country. His Majesty’s Government is at the moment finalizing its initial report to the African Commission in accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter.
4. Human Rights Promotion Mission to Swaziland
4.1 Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The holding of this Session comes barely two years after the African Commission undertook a Human Rights promotion mission to the country. During this visit, the commission was facilitated in its work to meet with all relevant stakeholders, including civil organizations.
His Majesty’s Government received the report of the Commission and would like to thank the latter for the recommendations contained therein. Government will be making her comments to the report soon. It is important to indicate that the fruitful dialogue that emanated from this mission is a demonstration of Government’s commitment to create a conducive environment for the citizens.
4.2 The importance of the need to ensure the respect for Human and People’s rights across the continent can not be over emphasized. I therefore wish to express my profound appreciation to the African Commission for the array of important and pertinent issues it has put up for discussion on its agenda for this session.
4.3 The success or failure of the African Commission depends on the support we, especially member states are prepared to lend it. The Commission, as indeed all other organs of the African Union needs our full support. Apart from our financial contributions, we can render financial and moral support by inviting the Commission to visit our countries for Human Rights Missions, submit our periodic reports on time, attend the sessions of the Commission, ensure implementation of the recommendations of the Commission and work with the commission nationally, regionally and continentally on issues related to Human Rights.
4.4 May I also indicate that the activities and programmes of The Commission must be seen to be benefiting the Africans; they must be seen to be relevant to the current Human Rights challenges of the continent. Priority should be given to those Human Rights challenges that threaten the majority of our people such as poverty, HIV/AIDS climate change, shelter, food shortages to mention but a few.
5. Conclusion
5.1 Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Before I conclude, permit me to once again welcome you to the Kingdom of Swaziland and to invite you to find some time during your busy schedule here to savour the beauty of the country and the hospitality of its people.
5.2 I wish all the participants fruitful deliberations, and now it is singular honour and privilege to declare the 43rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human Rights and Peoples’ Rights officially open.
I thank you for your attention.
Prime Minister’s Office
