Democratic Change in Swaziland

Rt Hon Don McKinnon
Secretary-General
Commonwealth Secretariat
Marlborough House

London

SW1Y 5HX
15 March 2006

Dear Mr Secretary-General

Democratic Change in Swaziland

The TUC General Council joins me in expressing our concern over the recent constitutional changes in Swaziland.

The Swazi Constitution that came into effect last month, as many political analysts have pointed out, does not provide for meaningful changes that could usher in a new era of democracy and popular participation in government in Swaziland. In our view, it merely consolidates the absolute monarchy with a few cosmetic changes aimed at addressing concerns over individual rights and makes no mention of the 1973 Decree that bans political parties. We are particularly concerned over the Swazi authorities' portrayal of the support from the Commonwealth Secretariat as vindication of the regime's commitment to democratic values, good governance and public accountability.

The TUC has long enjoyed close relations with the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU) and is aware of numerous violations of human and trade union rights. The Government of Swaziland has paid scant attention to the workers' fundamental rights enshrined in the eight ILO conventions which it has ratified.

I hope that the Secretariat will use its influence with the Swazi Government to ensure that genuine constitutional changes paving the way for democracy and good governance and observance of internationally recognized trade union and human rights take place without delay.

Yours sincerely

Brendan Barber

General Secretary