Motion text
That this House recognises the widespread human rights abuses committed under the autocratic Tinkhundla system of government in eSwatini since the dissolution of the constitution in 1973; notes erosion of democratic institutions, trade union rights, and civil liberties, including the banning of all political parties such as the People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO); further notes the crackdown on rights, including freedom of expression, press, health, education, gender, and LGBT equality; condemns the violent repression of civic protests, particularly the deadly crackdown of June 2021; supports the demands of PUDEMO, the Multi-Stakeholders Forum (MSF) and the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland for a repeal of the 1973 Decree, the lifting bans on political parties, trade union rights, freedoms of association and assembly, the return of political exiles, the release of political prisoners and an end to state violence against activists; also notes the 2021 ITUC report finding eSwatini in violation of 10 of 16 Commonwealth Charter principles; calls on the UK Government to work through the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to investigate these breaches and ensure enforcement of the Charter; and calls on the Government to support an independently mediated national political dialogue for democratic transition, and an independent investigation into the assassination of human rights lawyer and former PUDEMO Secretary General, Thulani Rudolf Maseko, and all deaths linked to the 2021 unrest.
Signatures (11)
The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.
Johnson, Kim
Labour
Signed on
7 July 2025
Whittome, Nadia
Labour
Signed on
7 July 2025
Witherden, Steve
Labour
Signed on
7 July 2025
Leishman, Brian
Labour
Signed on
8 July 2025
Foy, Mary Kelly
Labour
Signed on
8 July 2025
Beavers, Lorraine
Labour
Signed on
8 July 2025
In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.
These members had previously signed the motion, but have now withdrawn their support. The date shown is when the Member withdrew their signature from the motion.