Strengthening the Rule of Law and Restoring Peace in Eswatini

Summary

The current circumstances present a unique opportunity for a stronger engagement in good governance and the rule of law that is based on solid human rights. The established work and partnerships will create more avenues for engagement in future as the seed funding will kick start some activities and open space for new ones. This project is Funded by the Swedish International Development Agency, and it is implemented by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs through UNDP support. 

Major Achievements

Major Achievements 

  • Development and application of a Legal Aid Policy which established the Legal Aid department under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
  • A successful election year with the engagement of over 300 chiefs on women’s participation and human rights. Resulting in the election of eight out of 59 women, as opposed to two in the previous election. 
  • Training of the small claims court clerks on court procedures. 
  • Supporting the Gender and Family Issues Unit to host an inception meeting on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325.

Project Outcomes 

The project aims to:

  • Build the capacities of civil society organizations, oversight bodies and human rights.
  • Build the capacities of right-holders, particularly women, children, and other vulnerable groups, to participate in the decision-making processes, claim their rights, access justice and seek redress is strengthened.
  • Build the capacities of key rule of law institutions at national and regional levels strengthened for transparency, ease of doing business and equal access to justice.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) component

The project has taken great strides to ensure inclusion, particularly focusing on women’s inclusion. Due to the unrest, the country has an interest in preparing itself for any unforeseen change in the political climate. UNDP has supported the Gender and Family Issues Department in hosting an inception report for the application of Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. 

The project has also reached traditional authorities on the importance of women’s participation while training more than 70 women from traditional structures on women’s participation and gender equality concepts. This can be said to have contributed to the outcome of more women being elected in the 2023 election year than any other election year in the history of Eswatini. 

For more information about this project, contact UNDP Governance Specialist, Linda Nxumalo, at linda.nxumalo@undp.org 

 

 

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