Swaziland

Swaziland

1.2 million people

3,300 USD GNI (PPP)

Press:

Not Free

Population and GNI data source

News & Updates
Research & Reports
Programs

News & Updates

Freedom Alert

Swaziland Continues Crackdown Ahead of Elections

May 2 2013 - 2:11pm

In the latest act of increasing state repression, Swazi police rounded up and detained the five leaders of the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) without any legal basis or court order supporting their actions. Freedom House calls once again on the government of the Kingdom of Swaziland to end these attacks on the constitutional rights of its citizens and to allow civil society groups to associate and assemble peacefully.

Issues:

Civil Society, Democratic Governance, Elections, Freedom of Association, Freedom of Expression, Rule of Law

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Freedom Alert

Swaziland Court Judgment Violates Freedom of Expression

Apr 19 2013 - 10:08am

The recent sentencing of a prominent journalist in Swaziland is a blatant disregard for the constitutionally protected right to freedom of expression and is emblematic of King Mswati’s autocratic rule. Freedom House calls upon the government of Swaziland to withdraw all charges against Bheki Makhubu and stop its continued attack on its citizens’ political rights and civil liberties.

Issues:

Civil Society, Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, Rule of Law

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Press Release

Freedom House Calls for an End to 40 Years of Repression in Swaziland

Apr 12 2013 - 9:28am

On the 40^th anniversary of dictatorial rule in Swaziland, Freedom House calls upon the government of King Mswati to work with citizens to transform the political system into one that is credibly democratic.

Issues:

Civil Society, Democratic Governance, Elections, Human Rights Defense, Media Freedom

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Freedom Alert

Disregard for Swazi Rule of Law Continues Following Political Crisis

Oct 18 2012 - 5:47pm

Freedom House is deeply concerned by the recent repeal by Swaziland’s legislature of a vote of no-confidence following apparent pressure from the country’s king. This repeal, and the blatant disregard by the king for country’s constitution, epitomizes the increasing deterioration for the rule of law and respect for democratic governance in the country.

Issues:

Democratic Governance, Elections, Rule of Law

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Experts

Robert Herman

Vice President for Regional Programs

Issues:

Civil Society, Democratic Governance, Freedom of Association, U.S. Foreign Policy

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Signature Reports

Freedom in the World

Freedom of the Press

Countries at the Crossroads

Special Reports

Freedom in Sub-Saharan Africa 2007

Freedom House released an analysis of democracy in sub-Saharan Africa showing that the region has experienced notable increases in freedom over the past generation, although more setbacks than gains were seen in 2006.

Issues:

Democratic Governance

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Programs

Since 2009, Freedom House supports civil society in Swaziland to ensure that a stronger citizen voice can be generated and then properly translated to the national and regional stage where political reforms will be negotiated by a cohesive and effective civil society.

Issues:

Democratic Governance, Freedom of Association, Rule of Law

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa