The South Africa Forum for International Solidarity (SAFIS) yesterday issued a letter to the Prime Minister of Swaziland requesting that he reverse the decision to deregister the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA).
TUCOWSA has been at the forefront of calls to bring democracy to Swaziland, where everyday life continues to be marked by serious violations of democratic, human and trade union rights, including: extrajudicial killings by security forces; mob killings; the use of excessive force by police and torture against detainees; police impunity; arbitrary arrests and lengthy pre-trial detentions; restrictions on freedom of assembly, association and movement; prohibitions on political activity and harassment of political activists; discrimination and violence against women; the harassment of labour leaders; and, restrictions on workers' rights. The argument the Government has offered for the decision to deregister TUCOSWA is that there is no provision for such registration in Swazi law – an argument that confirms the Kingdom of Swaziland’s failure to comply with ILO Convention 87, and one that, if valid, would also threaten the existence of the country’s employers’ federation. This move therefore severely undermines the Swazi Government’s attempts to persuade the international community that reform is underway.To date, political parties remain forbidden in Swaziland, in spite of the adoption of a new Constitution in 2005, which in itself is still highly ineffective in preserving fundamental democratic rights, including trade union rights. As well, trade union activities are systematically labelled as political and then severely repressed.
The call by SAFIS to reverse the deregistration of the union is part of the growing international solidarity with the people of Swaziland who are suffering the most under the current regime.
SAFIS is a growing alliance of organisations and individuals working to support and advance peoples’ struggles against injustice around the world, and to consolidate and build upon ongoing efforts toward the creation of a just and viable world. Formally launched in November 2011, SAFIS includes among its members and supporters major trade union structures, influential human rights organisations, and other leading civil society formations.
ENDS
Issued by: The South Africa Forum for International Solidarity (SAFIS)
Enquiries: Roshan Dadoo: 0828162799 Bongani Masuku: 079 499 6419
Rajesh Latchman: 083 443 0227 Sipho Mthati: 071 635 8668
Website http://civicus.org/safis
