BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– The foundations of freedom, justice, and peace in Eswatini were the subject of an urgent call to action on December 10, 2025, as national leaders and international partners gathered to observe International Human Rights Day.
The conversation focused sharply on the truth that rights are not abstract ideals, but essential, daily necessities that must be protected, especially in the fight against systemic violence.
The event was formally hosted by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Eswatini, through the Eswatini Commission on Human Rights & Public Administration/Integrity (CHRPA). The commemoration, held at the Mbabane Theatre Club, was guided by the theme: “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials”.
The strong statement from the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, George Wachira, was read on his behalf by Nuha Ceesay, Country Director at the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Eswatini. Wachira asserted that human rights are “our everyday essential, very much like the air we breathe every second, every day”. He specifically called for this principle to guide national efforts in confronting the significant challenge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Eswatini.
Wachira strongly emphasized the theme, “Human Rights Day: Our Everyday Essentials”. He stated that rights are the basic conditions that enable Emaswati to live with dignity, freedom, security, and opportunity. The UN official detailed their tangible impact, noting that human rights:
- Shape access to health care and education and participation in community and national life.
- Provide protection from discrimination and violence.
- Build confidence that institutions act fairly and transparently.
Wachira stressed, “These are not optional benefits, they are essential for every person, every day”.
The UN Resident Coordinator noted that Human Rights Day also marks the end of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). He was clear that GBV remains a significant challenge in Eswatini. Wachira issued a direct challenge to the nation: “We must make the protection of women and girls an everyday essential at the heart of our society every day of the year”. He also mentioned the critical situation concerning gender-based violence among women, girls, men, and boys, and the need to mention the visit to the safe space of Kwakha Indvodza.
Wachira highlighted that Eswatini joins the global community in commemorating the day. He acknowledged that Eswatini is not an exception and there remain challenges in the implementation of the Bill of Rights as well as in the protection of fundamental freedoms such as freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. He stressed the role of non-state actors, stating that civil society organizations are the voice of those who might otherwise be silenced. He affirmed that “Together – Sisonkhe” is the motto of the 16 days of activism, and together, meaningful change can be driven. He closed by emphasizing that the recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.
Wachira’s speech, delivered by Nuha Ceesay, served as a powerful call for practical application and vigilance, asserting that the simple, yet profound truth of human rights must be reflected in every sphere of Eswatini life, particularly in eradicating systemic violence against women and girls.
#EPN#UNinEswatini #HumanRightsDay #GBV #EverydayEssentials #Sisonkhe #UNAIDS
