By Moses Magadza in Mbabane, Eswatini

A parliamentary workshop on constitutionalism, the rule of law and human rights has called on Parliamentarians to ensure that laws and political decisions protect the dignity and rights of all, especially people with less political power.

Addressing a cocktail reception on the sidelines of the workshop in Mbabane on Wednesday, acting UN Resident Coordinator in Eswatini His Excellency Henrik Franklin urged lawmakers and other decision-makers to work with civil society, communities and development partners to counter discrimination, violence and exclusion.

“The decisions made in legislative chambers shape the lives of millions and can either strengthen equal protection, dignity and inclusion, or weaken them,” he said.

He added that lawmakers have a critical role in ensuring political change leads to “greater justice and opportunity” rather than discrimination.

H.E. Franklin said progress on human rights across Africa coexists with a worrying pushback against some gains, including efforts that weaken protections for LGBTQI+ people, gender minorities and others vulnerable to discrimination.

He pointed to Botswana’s repeal in 2026 of colonial-era Penal Code provisions criminalising consensual same-sex relations, following court rulings in 2019 and 2021. The change, he said, brought the law into line with constitutional values including dignity, liberty, privacy and non-discrimination.

But legal reform alone cannot end stigma, discrimination or fear, H.E. Franklin cautioned. Progress must also be reflected in institutions, public attitudes, access to services and protection from violence.

“These political and legal shifts are not abstract debates. They affect real people, real families, and real lives,” he said, citing the risks of people being denied healthcare, education or employment, or facing rejection, harassment and violence.

H.E. Franklin urged parliamentarians, governments, civil society, national human rights institutions, communities, faith and traditional leaders, young people and development partners to act collectively—and to keep the people most affected at the centre of decisions.

“Their voices must be heard, their agency respected, and their safety and dignity safeguarded in every action we take,” he said.

He also called on UN agencies to coordinate their efforts through the “One UN” approach, sharing evidence and working in partnership with civil society and affected communities. The same collaborative spirit, he said, should guide parliamentarians and other decision-makers.

He challenged participants as they continued their deliberations to reflect: “What can I do, from where I stand, to make this world a place where everyone, including those in the minority, can live with dignity, safety and opportunity?”

In remarks made on her behalf, the SADC Parliamentary Forum’s Secretary General, Her Excellency Boemo Sekgoma, urged parliamentarians to provide “careful, principled and informed” leadership as organised narratives challenge human rights protections, narrow civic space and weaken confidence in democratic institutions.

She said parliaments have a responsibility to uphold constitutional principles through their law-making, oversight, budget approval and representative roles.

That responsibility, she said, includes listening to diverse experiences, examining evidence and considering how laws and policies affect all communities.

H.E. Sekgoma said the dialogue on countering anti-rights pushback came at a significant time for the region and beyond.

She thanked UNDP and the other partners who helped convene the meeting, saying their collaboration reflected a shared conviction that democratic institutions are strongest when they protect the rights, dignity and participation of everyone.

She highlighted the Forum’s work to strengthen parliamentary engagement on human rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV, and the protection of key populations.

This includes the SADC Model Law on HIV and AIDS in Southern Africa and the Minimum Standards for the Protection of the Sexual and Reproductive Health of Key Populations in the SADC Region, as well as parliamentary dialogue, learning and sensitisation.

“These efforts are grounded in a simple principle: human rights belong to all people,” the SG said, adding, “Their protection strengthens our societies, our institutions and our shared commitment to inclusive development.”

She reaffirmed the SADC PF’s commitment to working with parliamentarians, civil society, human rights institutions and like-minded organisations, while emphasising the role national parliaments play in translating regional commitments into laws, policies and practice.

H.E. Sekgoma encouraged participants to share their countries’ experiences, test ideas and listen to differing perspectives during the three-day meeting.

She urged them to identify practical parliamentary approaches to protecting constitutional safeguards, promoting accountability and responding constructively to challenges to human rights.

The dialogue’s value, she said, would ultimately be judged by how its discussions inform parliamentary work and contribute to protecting rights in practice.

• Moses Magadza is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.