South African Government Assurances from the Swaziland Authorities, in light of the Amnesty International Report of 29 July 2004 on the State of Human Rights in Swaziland

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR ORAL REPLY

QUESTION NO 80

STANDING OVER FROM 8 SEPTEMBER 2004 (PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18 OF 31 AUGUST 2004)

MR WJ SEREMANE TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

Whether, in light of the Amnesty International Report of 29 July 2004 on the state of human rights in Swaziland, the Government has sought assurances from the Swaziland authorities that:

(a) the rule of law will be respected,
(b) human rights will be protected and
(c) an end to the current constitutional crisis will be sought; if not, why not; if so, what action has been taken in this regard

REPLY:

The South African Government has been continuously engaging the Kingdom of Swaziland formally and informally on matters pertaining to the rule of law, as well as the current constitutional developments. The government continues to engage and encourage the Swazi authorities on issues of mutual interest at various levels.

END