Mbabane, Eswatini: 28 August 2025: The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC), in collaboration with the Swaziland Rural Women’s Assembly (SRWA), Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities (ESGM), and Trans Swati, submitted a shadow report to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR).
The CESCR is a body of 18 independent experts that monitors its state parties’ implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The Covenant enshrines economic, social and cultural rights such as adequate food, housing, education, health, social security, water and sanitation, and work.
The Committee seeks to develop a constructive dialogue with State parties, determine whether the Covenant’s norms are being applied, and assess how the implementation and enforcement of the Covenant could be improved so all people can enjoy these rights in full.
Eswatini acceded to the ICESCR in 2004 and submitted its initial state report only in June 2024. This civil society report offers vital insights based on direct experiences and data from grassroots organisations in Eswatini regarding the implementation of the ICESCR. The shadow report focuses on Articles 1, 3, 8, 10, 11, and 12. It underscores key progress, such as the enactment and enforcement of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018. However, it also emphasises ongoing gaps in land rights, gender equality, freedom of association, family protections, adequate living standards, and healthcare access.
The report highlights systemic problems, such as gender disparities in land ownership, weak enforcement of gender laws, restrictions on civil society and trade unions, child marriages under customary law, widespread poverty and evictions, and barriers to transgender healthcare. These issues mainly affect marginalised groups, including women, rural communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and children, sustaining cycles of inequality and exclusion.
SALC, on behalf of the partners, will present a statement on the List of Issues during the CESCR session in Geneva this September, advocating for targeted recommendations to drive meaningful change in Eswatini.
Anneke Meerkotter, Executive Director of SALC, stated: “This shadow report is a call to action for Eswatini to fulfil its ICESCR obligations. Amidst broader African trends of rights regression, independent oversight is essential to ensure economic, social, and cultural rights are not sidelined. We look forward to engaging with the Committee to foster transparency and progress.”
In a region facing increasing pushbacks on fundamental rights, this submission underscores the vital role of civil society in promoting accountability and open governance. By amplifying grassroots voices, we aim to bridge the divide between state commitments and lived realities, urging reforms that align with international standards.
About SALC: The Southern Africa Litigation Centre is a regional non-profit organisation that promotes human rights through strategic litigation, advocacy, and capacity strengthening across Southern Africa.
About SRWA: The Swaziland Rural Women’s Assembly is a network of rural women advocating for their rights, including land, food, and environmental rights, to combat injustices, poverty, and gender-based violence in Swaziland (Eswatini).
About ESGM: Eswatini Sexual & Gender Minorities is a non-profit organisation in Eswatini dedicated to protecting the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people by combating discrimination and promoting dignity, equality, and inclusion
About Trans Swati: Trans Swati is a non-profit organisation that provides services to the trans and gender non-conforming community in Eswatini.