Saturday, January 30th, 2010, sees the launch of the Swaziland Vigil UK which will be campaigning for democracy and the respect of basic human rights in Swaziland.

The land-locked Kingdom of Swaziland has a population of just 1.1 million. This small country is often overlooked despite having Africa’s longest running state of emergency of 35 years.

The people of Swaziland suffer from extreme poverty (70 per cent of the population live on less than $1 a day) and more than 1 in 4 Swazis are living with HIV and AIDS. Swaziland is Africa's only autocratic absolute monarchy. Political parties are banned, political and civic activists are imprisoned, and the judiciary, media and other authoritative bodies are controlled by the monarchy.

There is a gross violation of woman’s rights.

The Swaziland Vigil UK will protest every Saturday from 10.00 to 13.00 until there is respect for human rights and democracy in Swaziland.

Swaziland Vigil UK will have the following petitions available for supports to sign:

A petition to the British government:

Exiled Swazis and supporters urge you to put pressure on the absolute monarch King Mswati III to allow political freedom, freedom of speech, the rule of law, respect for women and affordable AIDS drugs in Swaziland.

A petition to the Commonwealth:

Exiled Swazis and supporters urge you to suspend Swaziland from the Commonwealth until there is democracy and an end to human rights abuses in Swaziland.

Venue:

Kingdom Of Swaziland High Commission, 20 Buckingham Gate, London, and SW1E 6LB, Nearest Tube St. James Park, Close to Buckingham Palace

Date:

30-01-2010

Time:

10.00 to 13.00

Interview opportunities: Political activists, torture and rape survivors

Further information: Thobile 07746552597, Vincent 07743662046