UPR 25th Session, Geneva, May 10, 2016
As delivered by Jessica Carl
The United States welcomes the delegation from the Kingdom of Swaziland.
The United States is deeply concerned by the continued suppression of individuals’ exercise of their freedoms of association and peaceful assembly, and looks forward to progress on reforms of the Suppression of Terrorism Act and Public Order Act. We welcome the registration of the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland in 2015 and look forward to additional reforms allowing the full enjoyment of the right to freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
We are concerned by impediments to the independence of the judiciary, particularly in the appointment processes for judges and members of the Judicial Service Commission.
We urge that Swaziland take the necessary steps to protect women and children from violence and discrimination.
Bearing in mind these concerns, we recommend that the Government of Swaziland:
- Ensure that freedoms of association and peaceful assembly are respected and protected, including by repealing or amending the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008 and the Public Order Act.
- Amend laws and regulations governing the Judicial Service Commission, including by removing the Crown’s control over the Commission’s composition.
- Quickly pass pending legislation related to the protection of women and children including the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Bill and the Draft Land Policy.
Thank you Mr. Vice President.