PRESS RELEASE
Human Rights Promotion Mission to the Kingdom of Eswatini
Banjul, 11 July 2025 – The Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Secretariat) wishes to inform the public that the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), with the authorization of the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, will undertake a Promotion Mission to the Kingdom of Eswatini from 15 to 19 July 2025.
This Mission forms part of the Commission’s mandate to promote human and peoples’ rights across the continent, in accordance with Article 45(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter), and Rule 76(1) of the Rules of Procedure (2020) of the Commission.
The objectives of the Mission include, among others:
• Promoting the African Charter, its Protocols, and other relevant regional and international human rights instruments;
• Engaging with stakeholders on the human rights situation in the country;
• Exchanging views and experiences aimed at enhancing the enjoyment and protection of human rights in Eswatini.
Delegation Composition
The Commission’s delegation will consist of the following Members:
• Honorable Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the Commission; Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa; and Focal Point on Judicial Independence in Africa;
• Honorable Commissioner Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana, Country Rapporteur for the Human Rights Situation in the Kingdom of Eswatini; Chairperson of the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of People Living with HIV and Those at Risk, Vulnerable to and Affected by HIV; and Chairperson of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations/Communities and Minorities in Africa;
• Honorable Commissioner Marie Louise Abomo, Chairperson of the Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Africa.
The delegation will be accompanied and supported by staff from the Secretariat of the Commission.
Stakeholder Engagement
During the Mission, the delegation will meet with a wide range of stakeholders including:
• Senior Government Officials;
• Members of Parliament and the Judiciary;
• Law enforcement agencies and National Human Rights Institutions;
• Representatives of Civil Society Organizations;
• Other individuals or institutions with insight into the human rights landscape of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Outcome of the Mission
At the conclusion of the Mission, the delegation will hold discussions with the relevant Government authorities on its preliminary findings. A Press Conference will also be convened to brief the media and the general public on the outcomes of the Mission, including its key observations and recommendations to the Government of Eswatini.
The Commission reaffirms its commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to promote and protect human rights on the continent.
For further information, please contact:
The Secretariat of the Commission
31 Bijilo Annex Lay-out, Kombo North District
Western Region
P.O. Box 673, Banjul, The Gambia
Tel.: (+220) 441 05 05 /441 05 06
Email: au-banjul@africanunion.org
Website: https://achpr.au.int/en
