FROM THE ZIMBABWE VIGIL
Please find below a press notice from a new group the Swazi Vigil who have
asked us to circulate this to our media list.
Vigil co-ordinators
The Vigil, outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London, takes place
every Saturday from 14.00 to 18.00 to protest against gross violations of
human rights in Zimbabwe. The Vigil which started in October 2002 will
continue until internationally-monitored, free and fair elections are held
in Zimbabwe. http://www.zimvigil.co.uk
PRESS NOTICE - 21st January 2010
Launch of the Swazi Vigil
Exiled Swazis and supporters are to hold a weekly Vigil outside the
Swaziland High Commission in London in protest at human rights abuses in the
small southern African country.
The first Vigil is to take place on Saturday 30th January from 10 am - 1pm.
The Vigils will continue until there democracy and respect for human rights
in Swaziland.
Swaziland has a population of 1.1 million and is Africa's only absolute
monarchy. A state of emergency has been in force for 35 years. Political
parties are banned, activists are imprisoned, and the judiciary, media and
other bodies are controlled by the monarch. Women, in particular, suffer
gross violation of their human rights. Seventy per cent of the population
live on less than $1 a day and more than 1 in 4 Swazis are living with HIV /
AIDS.
We will be running the following petitions:
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.
Programme for 30th January
Event: Protest for democracy and an end to human rights abuses in Swaziland
Date and time: Saturday 30th January from 10 am - 1 pm
Venue: Kingdom of Swaziland High Commission, 20 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E
6LB
Nearest Tube: St. James Park
Interview opportunities: Political activists, torture and rape survivors
Further information: Thobile 07746 552 597, Vincent 07743 662 046
