ENACT SEXUAL OFFENCES BILL – EU

LOZITHA – “Enact the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Bill.” This was said by Esmeralda Hernandez Aragones, the new Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Swaziland, when she handed over her letters of credence to His Majesty King Mswati III at Lozitha Palace yesterday afternoon.

The Bill has been under a lot of spotlight recently after the Chairperson of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPM) Portfolio Committee, Sandleni MP James Simelane tabled a report on the Bill in the House of Assembly from which four contentious clauses had been removed.

The four clauses that were removed were Clauses 4, 10, 42 and 47. The committee stated that some of them were against Swazi Culture.  The clauses were unlawful stalking, flashing, abduction and incest. This caused uproar among human rights groups and people on social network. The clauses were eventually reinstated. Aragones urged the country to enact the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Bill which had the potential to take the kingdom forward in issues of gender and preventing domestic violence.

Meanwhile, the EU Ambassador, who replaces Nicolla Bellomo, commended SD for ammending the Suppression of Terrorism Act and Public Order Act as it would appease social strain through favouring the preparation of inclusive National General Elections in 2018.

She commended the King for enacting the amendment Act and said it was no doubt that its signing would help the country strengthen its socio-political environment thereby assisting the kingdom move forward in the right direction.
“In parallel, it will also benefit the country’s business climate, facilitating the reinstatement of better economic dynamics with the kingdom’s main economic partners, which will also impact on much needed job creation,” the ambassador said. On the same note, she said these developments demonstrated Swaziland’s will and capacity to adapt to the evolving world through reforms that preserved the county’s fundamental traditions and values while ensuring a more stable future for all.

Furthermore, the ambassador congratulated the King and the country for the positive strides the kingdom had taken in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She said the recent survey, showing a reduction of HIV infection by almost half in the country, was encouraging. The ambassador said she would endeavour to enhance the cordial relations between the EU and the kingdom.  She promise her total commitment and dedication in pursuing this mission.

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