BY NOKUPHILA NXUMALO (INTERN)
MBABANE– The Eswatini Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity yesterday in Mbabane met with a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) delegation led by Ms Victoria de Mello from the UNDP Africa Regional Office, together with Mr Mpendulo Masuku from UNDP Eswatini, to discuss ways of strengthening human rights and development cooperation.
The Commission indicated that the engagement marked a significant step towards strengthening partnerships and shaping effective collaboration in line with the UNDP Cooperation Framework. It was further stated that both institutions expressed a shared commitment to advancing human rights and sustainable development across the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Discussions, it was reported, centred on expanding the Business and Human Rights agenda, promoting responsible business conduct, protecting human dignity, and reinforcing accountability. The Commission noted that these efforts are aimed at ensuring that development remains inclusive and respects the rights of all emaSwati, particularly vulnerable groups.
According to the Executive Secretary, Phakama Shili, the Commission maintains a robust partnership with UNDP, which has already resulted in a wide range of programmes aimed at strengthening human rights awareness within communities and improving the Commission’s capacity to respond to concerns raised by the public. It was further explained that UNDP provides vital support in training the Commission to monitor the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Shili indicated that through this collaboration, the Commission works to ensure that national policies are translated into meaningful, rights-based interventions addressing critical issues such as health, poverty, and gender inequality. It was emphasised that this approach is intended to advance the protection and fulfilment of human rights for all, especially vulnerable groups.
It was also highlighted that communities are expected to benefit through greater participation in development issues, access to safe employment opportunities, fair treatment, avenues for redress, and improved environmental conditions in areas where business operations take place.
On business compliance, the Commission stated that it is developing an implementation strategy that will soon be launched. It was explained that the strategy will focus on collecting baseline data on business practices, formulating national guidelines aligned with international standards on business and human rights, and strengthening private sector capacity to uphold these principles.
The Commission further noted that it will actively monitor compliance and address any violations within its mandate, stressing that, with support from UNDP and other stakeholders, it remains committed to ensuring businesses respect, protect, and fulfil human rights in their operations.
Overall, the engagement was described as laying a strong foundation for impactful programmes aimed at fostering a robust human rights culture and promoting inclusive development across Eswatini.
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(Courtesy Pic)
