President Robinson Calls for Review of Swazi Practice Directive, Protection of Human Rights

The American Bar Association urges a review of practice directive NO.4/2011 in Swaziland, which prohibits both direct and indirect civil lawsuits against the king.  In addition, the ABA urges that Judge Thomas Masuku be provided a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal or restored to office.

Citizens of Swaziland have a right to a remedy for human rights violations.  By prohibiting indirect civil suits against the king, complaints against his agents might also be rejected.  In this capacity,   practice directive NO.4/2011 could prohibit complaints brought to justify fundamental human rights, which is in conflict with Swaziland’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The letter to the chief justice of Swaziland is available here.

With nearly 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world.  As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

Media Contact: Phil Stamper, Phillip.Stamper@americanbar.org, 202-662-1784

Please click here for a biography and photo of Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III, president of the American Bar Association.