SADC PF MPs join efforts to defend region’s democratic accountability

MBABANE, Eswatini- SADC Parliamentary Forum lawmakers are among participants attending a workshop aimed at strengthening legislators’ oversight role to protect human rights and prevent regression in law and policy.

In his opening remarks, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative in Eswatini, Henrik Franklin, said parliaments were central to democracy, but were operating in an environment of growing pressure on civic space, public debate, social cohesion and public confidence in governance.

He said these pressures could weaken accountability, sideline evidence in policymaking, or restrict the rights and participation of vulnerable groups and key populations.

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