EI Africa Condemns Harassment and Arrest of SNAT Leaders in Eswatini
Education International Africa (EI Africa) has learned with deep concern about the harassment, arrest, and ill treatment of leaders of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) and other members of the Public Sector Unions of Swaziland (PSUS).
The union leaders were peacefully delivering a petition to the Public Service authorities when they were subjected to intimidation and violence by police officers. This action represents a serious violation of the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association.
EI Africa is particularly alarmed by reports that the SNAT General Secretary, Lot Vilakati, was abducted by Royal Police officers, tortured, and later abandoned in a forest without means of communication. He has since been found but injured. This level of violence against a trade union leader is unacceptable and deeply troubling.
EI Africa strongly condemns these unwarranted and unlawful actions against SNAT leaders and PSUS members. Such acts constitute a grave violation of international labour standards, including ILO Conventions 87 and 98, which guarantee freedom of association and the right to organise. Eswatini has an obligation to uphold these standards.
EI Africa calls on the Government of Eswatini to:
- Immediately guarantee the safety and security of all SNAT leaders and PSUS members;
- End harassment and intimidation of trade unionists;
- Ensure that those responsible for these abuses are held accountable; and
- Respect the rights of workers to organise, assemble peacefully, and present petitions without fear.
EI Africa will closely monitor the situation and not hesitate to raise this matter with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other relevant international and regional human rights mechanisms should the situation continue.