Eswatini
| Right | Question | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom of Expression | What is the oldest written source in this country that mentions this right? | Eswatini has been considered an independent country since 1968 but the earliest assertion of the right to freedom of expression is presented in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland Act 2005. In Article 14, Chapter III secures the “freedom of conscience, of expression and of peaceful assembly and association and of movement.” Sources: “Eswatini 2005 Constitution - Constitute.” n.d. Www.constituteproject.org. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Swaziland_2005. |
| Freedom of Association | What is the oldest written source in this country that mentions this right? | The Constitution of Eswatini, ratified October 4, 2004, was the first official document to protect association. The right is protected under Chapter III, Article 25 (“Eswatini 2005 Constitution”, 2004). “Eswatini 2005 Constitution.” 2004. Constitute. October 4. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Swaziland_2005?lang=en. |
| Freedom of Religion | What is the oldest written source in this country that mentions this right? | Eswatini’s current constitution, created and adopted in 2005, protects the right to freedom of religion for the citizens of the country. Article 23 deals with the protection of freedom of conscience and religion, with Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 ensuring the freedom (Eswatini 2005). Eswatini 2005. “Eswatini 2005” Constitute Project https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Swaziland_2005 |
| Voting Rights and Suffrage | What is the oldest written source in this country that mentions this right? | Under Chapter VII, The Legislature, Section 88, Qualifications as a Voter, a person is qualified to vote if they are of the age of 18 and a citizen or ordinarily resident in Swaziland (Constitute Project, “Eswatini Constitution of 2005”). |
| Freedom of the Press | What is the oldest written source in this country that mentions this right? | Article 24 of Eswatini’s 2005 Constitution protects press freedom: “A person shall not except with the free consent of that person be hindered in the enjoyment of the freedom of expression, which includes the freedom of the press and other media” (Constitute Project, “Eswatini's Constitution of 2005”). |
| Privacy Rights | What is the oldest written source in this country that mentions this right? | Article 14(1) names and protects fundamental rights, and subsection C reads “protection of the privacy of the home and other property rights of the individual” (Constitute Project, “Eswatini 2005”). Previous iterations of the constitutions from 1967 and 1968 could not be found. https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Swaziland_2005?lang=en |