TUC protests Swazi arrests

TUC letter to the Swazi High Commissioner

Arrests of trade unionists and others

18 September 2008

The TUC has protested at the arrest of prominent Swazi trade unionists and politicians this morning, Thursday 18 September.

The TUC General Secretary's letter to the Swazi High Commissioner in Britain follows.

British trade unionists are encouraged to make similar protests and also contribute to the TUC's solidarity appeal for Swazi trade unions at www.tuc.org.uk/tucaid (see http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-14424-f0.cfm for details).

HE Mrs Mary Madzandza Khanya
High Commissioner

Swaziland High Commission

20 Buckingham Gate

London SW1E 6LB

Dear High Commissioner

Arrests of Trade Unionists

On behalf of the TUC General Council, I write to express our outrage over the arrests of trade unionists and prominent politicians today in Mbabane, Swaziland.

Our information is that

• Mr Jan Sithole, General Secretary, Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions,
• Mr Vincent Dlamini, SNACS, General Secretary,
• Mr Mario Masuki, PUDEMO President,
• Mr Jabulani Dlamini, Acting Deputy Secretary General, PUDEMO,
• Mr Theodorah Malindzisa, Deputy General Secretary, Swaziland Federation of Labour

and four others have been arrested while they were proceeding to the Swazi-South African border in protest over the worsening political, economic and social crisis in Swaziland.

The arrests of trade unionists for organizing activities relating to the exercise of their legitimate rights constitute a gross violation of the ILO Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Moreover, your country, which ratified Convention 98 (1978) and Convention 87 (1978), is obliged to observe the workers' rights enshrined in them.

We urge you to pass on our deep concern over the safety of the colleagues to your Government, use your influence with the authorities to secure their immediate and unconditional release and ensure that all citizens in Swaziland are allowed to exercise their democratic rights without interference from the State.

Yours sincerely

Brendan Barber

General Secretary