The Commission on Human Rights & Public Administration/Integrity (CHRPA) has a broad human rights mandate to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms, as provided in the Bill of Rights under the Constitution of Eswatini Act No1, 2005 (Constitution). CHRPA derives its human rights mandate from section 163 (1)(a) of the Constitution. In line with the Paris Principles, the Commission exists to promote and protect the human rights of all people within the Kingdom of Eswatini. This mandate is achieved through two thematic areas;
Promotion
The Commission undertakes awareness raising, research and advocacy to foster a human rights culture in Eswatini through the following activities;
- Civic education
- Media engagement
- Community Dialogues
- Stakeholder engagement
Protection
In order to provide redress to victims of human rights violations, the Commission adopts the following strategies;
- Complaints handling/Investigations
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Strategic litigation
- Public enquiries
- Reports to Parliament
- Monitoring
Research
CHRPA conducts;
Research on the domestic implementation of human rights norms and standards
Assess compliance of national legislation with human rights obligations
Contribute to Bills and policies
Undertakes studies on thematic areas of human rights
Matters outside Jurisdiction of the Commission
- Matters pending in court
- A matter involving the Government of Eswatini and another government or international organization
- A matter relating to the exercise of any Royal Prerogative by the Crown
Who can lodge a complaint
- A person who has been violated
- A person acting on behalf of another
- A group of persons or organization
When to investigate
- Upon receiving an individual complaint
- The Commission may on its own accord investigate any matter.
- On receiving a request from Member of Parliament
When to lodge a complaint
As soon as possible but not later than 12months from the date the alleged violation occurred.
How can one lodge a complaint
A complaint may be lodged by completing the electronic complaint form, or physically at the CHRPA offices in Mbabane, Sibekelo Building, 4th Floor, South Wing.