Written question asked by Baroness Brown of Silvertown (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 January 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 January 2023. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 February 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Eswatini: Human Rights and Rule of Law

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the death of Thulani Maseko in Eswatini on 21 January 2023 on (a) the rule of law, (b) human rights and (c) progress towards democracy in that country.

Answer: Mr. Maseko will be remembered as a champion of human rights and the rule of law for the people of Eswatini. The Government of Eswatini has issued a statement expressing their condolences and announcing that the authorities are already investigating the murder. We have urged a thorough investigation into his untimely death. We continue to encourage all parties to refrain from violence while pursuing peaceful means to address the country's political and socio-economic challenges, including the protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights.

Secondary information