BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Eswatini has been commended for its progress in disaster management and humanitarian support, particularly in caring for refugees and vulnerable communities.
This was revealed by Speaker of the House of Assembly, Jabulani Mabuza, during the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland. The global meeting has brought together parliamentarians from around the world to discuss how countries can better support people in need through coordinated humanitarian action, resilience building, and sustainable development.
Speaking before the international forum, Speaker Mabuza outlined Eswatini’s continued commitment to protecting lives and strengthening disaster preparedness through its National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). He explained that the NDMA plays a vital role in mitigating the impact of natural disasters such as storms, floods, and heavy rains, which often affect rural communities across the kingdom.
“Through the NDMA, Eswatini has developed a collaborative approach to address humanitarian issues, ensuring timely and coordinated responses during crises,” said Mabuza. “This approach has saved lives and alleviated the suffering of many Emaswati.”
He noted that Eswatini’s disaster management efforts are reinforced through partnerships with both local and international organisations that provide emergency food supplies, shelter, and medical assistance to affected families. “Our goal is to ensure that no one is left behind when disasters strike. We work with communities, private partners, and humanitarian agencies to rebuild lives with dignity,” he added.
Beyond disaster response, Mabuza highlighted Eswatini’s refugee and asylum seeker support framework, which promotes inclusion, social harmony, and access to essential services. The country’s refugee policies are designed to uphold human rights while encouraging integration into local communities.
“Eswatini’s refugee regime encourages asylum seekers and refugees to integrate into society so that they can access the same basic services available to all citizens,” Mabuza told the assembly. “They are also permitted to work and contribute to the national economy, fostering mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence with host communities.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and compassion in dealing with displaced persons, noting that the humane treatment of refugees reflects Eswatini’s dedication to global solidarity and shared prosperity.
Background on the IPU and Eswatini’s Role
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), founded in 1889, is the world’s oldest multilateral political organisation, serving as a global platform for dialogue among parliamentarians. Its mission is to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development through parliamentary diplomacy. Eswatini’s participation underscores the nation’s active role in addressing regional and international challenges, particularly in humanitarian coordination and policy development.
By sharing Eswatini’s achievements in disaster management and refugee integration, Speaker Mabuza positioned the kingdom as a regional example of resilience and inclusivity. His address reflected the government’s vision to strengthen institutional capacity and community resilience while fostering an environment where every individual — whether citizen or refugee — can live with dignity and opportunity.
As the 151st IPU Assembly continues, Eswatini’s message of collaboration, compassion, and preparedness resonates as a model for how small nations can make meaningful contributions to global humanitarian efforts.
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