The IndustriALL Global Union, which represent over 50 million workers in the mining, energy and manufacturing industries in 140 countries has written a letter to the Eswatini Prime Minister calling for democratic reforms and condemning the gross violation of human rights in the country.

The union also called on the Eswatini Government to facilitate a United Nations investigation into the death of civilians as demands by trade unions and civil society organisation.

This publication is in possession of the letter signed by the union’s Secretary General Atle Hoie, dated 29 September 2021.

“We condemn the violent and brutal attacks against unarmed pro-democracy protesters, and we urge the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini to respect and protect human rights, including the right to life, right to freedom of expression, assembly, and association, and the rule of law,” read the letter.

The union revealed that it recently held its third congress, which was virtually attended by 3 000 participants.

It was reported that 434 organizations from 111 countries adopted a resolution that expressed concerns about the continued violence in Eswatini and calls for democratic reforms in the country.

“Furthermore, the resolution demands an end to gross human rights violations and the use of excessive and lethal force against protesters by the police and the army, which has resulted in the death of over 70 people with several others missing,” added the union.