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What: Parliamentary launch of Eswatini – Time to Act, a new advocacy report by Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA).
When: Tuesday, 3 November 2026, 6pm–8pm (UK time).
Where: Committee Room 10, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.
Event registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/bwwjZh1xuW
Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) invites members of the media to the parliamentary launch of its new report, Eswatini – Time to Act, hosted by Kim Johnson MP. The report examines four decades of absolute royal rule, the continued restriction of political freedoms, unresolved human rights violations and the economic and social pressures facing the people of Eswatini.
Commenting ahead of the launch, Rachel Palma Randle, Director of ACTSA, said:
“Eswatini is a member of the Commonwealth and has constitutional commitments to fundamental rights and freedoms. Yet political parties remain prohibited, while activists, workers and others challenging the political status quo continue to face restrictions and repression. Five years after the 2021 uprising, the lack of accountability remains a serious concern. International commitments to democracy and human rights must translate into real action.”
Researched and written by Emaswati in the country and in exile, the report brings together evidence on political repression, gender-based violence, discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people, workers’ rights, poverty and the strain on public services. It also highlights the people and communities continuing to organise and demand democratic change.
The launch comes five years after the 2021 pro-democracy uprising, in which at least 46 people were killed, according to the government’s preliminary report. Five years later, no final public report has been published, and accountability for the violence remains unresolved.
Anele Gcwabe, Campaigns and Communications Officer at ACTSA said,
“The UK Government and the Commonwealth have commitments to democracy and human rights, and they must use their influence to press for visible change. The international community must move beyond statements of concern and take concrete steps to support democratic reform, protect fundamental freedoms and advance accountability.”
REPORTERS WELCOME
The event will bring together parliamentarians, campaigners and people working to advance human rights and democratic reform in Eswatini. It will examine the report’s findings and recommendations and consider what the UK Government, the Commonwealth and other international partners can do to support accountability, protect fundamental freedoms and advance democratic change.
ENDS.
For more information contact:
Anele Gcwabe
Campaigns and Communications Officer | ACTSA
+27 83 278 8832 | [email protected]
Background
Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) is a UK based charity which campaigns in solidarity with the people of Southern Africa for human rights, democracy and social, economic and environmental justice. Its report on Eswatini is intended to inform and strengthen advocacy with the UK Government, the Commonwealth and other international partners.
Website: https://actsa.org/
Report: Eswatini – Time to Act |
