PIGG’S PEAK — Chief Prince Mphatfwa has suggested that the process of declaring assets must be mandatory for everyone in the country, not just politicians and those holding public office.
He made these remarks yesterday during a training session for Hhohho Region chiefs, which was conducted by the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration and Integrity on human rights-based approaches to dispute resolution at the Pigg’s Peak Hotel.
The Eswatini Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration and Integrity Deputy Commissioner, Chief Dambuza Lukhele, said the issue of human rights is often misunderstood and addressed incorrectly, which leads to a poor public perception.
He noted that when a person speaks about human rights, people tend to have ‘deaf ears’. He said human rights are a gift from God that each person is given at birth, even though they may differ.
The chief stated that they decided to engage with chiefs because they oversee communities where many issues arise that need to be addressed and resolved. This engagement, he said, is to ensure that the world and emaSwati can see that Eswatini is a country that is deeply rooted in and respects human rights. Lukhele said the issue of human rights requires collaboration and unity. He pointed out that the Human Rights Commission is made up of a few people, yet the issue is vast and requires chiefs to communicate effectively in their chiefdoms.
“The big challenge of human rights is in the communities,” he said.
Lukhele added that he is hoping the Human Rights Commission would expand to address the different issues of human rights. He said they need different experts to share knowledge while addressing human rights. “Human rights are a worldwide issue. Even we work with other African and international councils on human rights,” he said.
He mentioned that during a visit, the African Union said they would love for Eswatini to be an example and teach others about human rights. He noted that a lot has been lost, and many things are not being done correctly. He said the African Union also expressed a wish for His Majesty King Mswati III to be declared a champion for human rights.
Lukhele explained that this idea presents a challenge for them to show the African Union that Eswatini is indeed deeply rooted in human rights in all aspects, including culture.
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Chief Prince Mphatfwa, who asked for everyone to declare assets in the country. (Pic: Courtesy)