Human Rights Watch: No Accountability for Security Force Violence in June 2021 – Eurasia Review

### The Struggles for Justice in Eswatini

In the wake of the June 2021 pro-democracy demonstrations in Eswatini, the quest for justice has become an arduous journey for many. Human Rights Watch (HRW) recently underscored that the nation has failed to conduct effective investigations into the tragic events that led to the deaths and injuries of students, activists, and innocent bystanders. Instead of seeking accountability, the government has intensified its crackdown on dissent, silencing critics and stifling calls for democratic reforms.

### The Violent Unrest

A recent 26-page report entitled “You’ll Die Waiting for Justice” highlights the severe human rights violations committed during the protests. The Royal Eswatini Police Service and the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force have been implicated in the improper use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition against civilians. This excessive force regrettably resulted in numerous fatalities and hundreds of injuries, with children among the victims. The aftermath of this brutality has left many feeling abandoned, as no significant actions have been taken to achieve justice or remedy the situation of those affected.

### Voices of the Victims

Human Rights Watch spoke with a cross-section of individuals directly impacted by these events. The interviews included 15 Swati nationals, aged between 14 and 68 during the protests, among whom were grieving individuals who lost loved ones and survivors of the violence. A particularly heart-wrenching account comes from a woman whose husband was killed by police. Despite her attempts to pursue legal action, she has received no updates or support from authorities, highlighting a widespread sentiment of frustration and abandonment among victims.

### The Exiled Activists

The urgency of the situation has led some political activists to flee Eswatini to escape persecution. HRW interviewed key stakeholders who now live in exile, including representatives from trade unions, political parties, and human rights organizations. These individuals emphasize the risks they faced while advocating for democratic reforms. Their stories shed light on the significant personal sacrifices made in the fight for justice and accountability in Eswatini.

### The Legacy of Thulani Maseko

Another crucial facet of this ongoing struggle is the tragic killing of Thulani Maseko, a dedicated human rights lawyer who advocated for those marginalized by the state. His assassination in January 2023 has further eroded the prospects for justice among victims and survivors. Maseko’s work was instrumental in guiding many through the legal challenges they faced, and his death has left a void that many fear will never be filled.

### The Role of the Eswatini Commission on Human Rights

In October 2021, the Eswatini Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration released a report confirming the loss of 46 lives and hundreds of gunshot injuries during the violence. Although the report acknowledged the state security forces’ involvement, it refrained from attributing specific accountability. While the Commission recommended comprehensive investigations, no meaningful action has followed, leading civil society groups to express skepticism about the true number of casualties, with claims that the toll could exceed 100.

### International Obligations

Under international human rights law, nations are required to ensure accountability when their security forces use excessive or lethal force. This mandates thorough investigations capable of identifying responsible parties and providing remedies for victims. Eswatini’s current response appears to fall short of these obligations, raising critical questions about the efficacy of its legal and political systems.

### A Call for Reparations

As the situation unfolds, experts urge the Eswatini authorities to establish formal mechanisms to support victims and survivors of the June 2021 unrest. This includes the formation of victim-centric programs for reparations, which could address the psychological and emotional scars left by the violence. Human Rights Watch emphasizes the need for public transparency in investigations and the pursuit of sanctions against those responsible for the systemic abuses.

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This ongoing struggle for justice in Eswatini highlights the need for both national and international accountability mechanisms, providing a glimmer of hope that the voices of the affected will one day be heard and acknowledged.