NUM welcomes the decision by the US to exclude Swaziland from AGOA

NUM Press Statement, 30 May 2014

NUM welcomes the decision by the US to exclude Swaziland from AGOA

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) welcomes the decision by the GOVERNMENT of the United States of America for excluding Swaziland from the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) because of its abysmal record on human rights. This means the kingdom will no longer receive preferential access to the US market.

This decision will embolden democratic efforts led by the people of Swaziland against the royal dictator. It will send a message to the Swazi government that their time is up, now is the time to embrace human rights, respect for worker rights and to stop harassing and banishing other voices including that of union leaders.

The NUM demands that the Swazi government implement the full passage of amendments to the Industrial Relations Act; full passage of amendments to the Suppression of Terrorism Act (STA); full passage of amendments to the Public Order Act; full passage of amendments to sections 40 and 97 of the Industrial Relations Act relating to civil and criminal liability to union leaders during protest actions; and establishing a code of conduct for the police during public protests consistent with human rights culture .

We also note that the decision by the US government will unavoidably affect thousands of Swazi workers employed particularly in the textile sector. However, they have been affected by the overzealous and overwhelming dictator and any means of change will do them good in the long run.

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

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