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

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

Freedom Alert

African Commission Criticizes Swaziland’s Human Rights Record

May 15 2012 - 11:30am

In a welcome move, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) has sharply criticized the human rights record of the government of Swaziland and has called on it to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly in accordance with their commitments under international law.

Issues:

Human Rights Defense, Intergovernmental Bodies

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Freedom Alert

Swaziland Crushes Pro-Democracy Protest

Apr 13 2012 - 2:54pm

Freedom House is deeply concerned by the ongoing suppression of civil liberties in Swaziland, where a planned pro-democracy protest was preemptively dispersed on April 12 through arrests and intimidation by police and military forces.

Issues:

Freedom of Expression

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Freedom Alert

Proposed Law Would Ban Facebook, Twitter Users from Insulting Swaziland Monarch

Mar 26 2012 - 5:46pm

In an alarming move to restrict freedom of expression, the government of Swaziland has proposed a law that will make it illegal to criticize King Mswati III on Facebook and Twitter. Justice Minister Mgwagwa Gamedze proposed the legislation, informing the Swazi Senate they would take a “tough” stance on those who criticize the king via social media and “set an example.”

Issues:

Freedom of Expression, Internet Freedom, Media Freedom

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