Autor: global-affair

Responding to media reports in which Eswatini’s Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo while making school visits during back to school visits in schools in the Hhohho Region, around Mbabane, is quoted as saying same-sex relationships have “no place” in schools and that LGBTI students should be expelled, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Flavia Mwangovya said:

“Eswatini’s authorities must publicly reject discriminatory rhetoric and urgently reaffirm that every student has the right to education in a safe, inclusive environment. Schools must be places of learning and protection, not spaces where children are threatened with exclusion because of who they are, or who they are perceived to be.

“Threatening students with expulsion on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation is discriminatory and profoundly harmful. Such statements by senior officials’ risk legitimizing stigma against already marginalized individuals, resulting in bullying, violence and children being driven out of school. The authorities in Eswatini must make clear that discrimination has no place in education and ensure safeguards to prevent harassment and to protect all students’ dignity and wellbeing.

Eswatini’s authorities must publicly reject discriminatory rhetoric and urgently reaffirm that every student has the right to education in a safe, inclusive environment. Schools must be places of learning and protection, not spaces where children are threatened with exclusion because of who they are, or who they are perceived to be.

Flavia Mwangovya, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

“Amnesty International calls on the Ministry of Education and Training to guarantee that no student is expelled or otherwise punished on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on the basis stereotypes and rumours. Authorities must ensure clear protections against bullying and violence, confidential reporting mechanisms and survivor-centred responses to complaints of intimidation, harassment and abuse.”

Background

On 27 January 2026, Eswatini’s Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, made discriminatory remarks about same-sex relationships in schools during back-to-school visits. According to media reports, the minister said there is “no place” for same-sex relationships in schools and that LGBTI students should be expelled.

Amnesty International’s research has highlighted the repercussions of Eswatini’s lack of specific legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It has documented how consensual same-sex relations between men remain criminalized under section 185(5) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, even though the law is widely reported to be largely obsolete in practice. The same research highlights widespread fear and discrimination, weak protection and accountability pathways when abuses are reported, as well as barriers to accessing services.

The post Eswatini: Education minister’s anti-LGBTI remarks risk fueling discrimination in schools appeared first on Amnesty International.

On 2 February, Kyrgyzstan’s Supreme Court is expected to consider whether to resume proceedings against independent investigative journalist Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy, after her defence lawyers filed a petition requesting a full re-examination of her wrongful conviction.

The petition, which ultimately seeks her immediate release, follows a legal opinion published by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in October 2025. It concluded that Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy’s detention was arbitrary, violated multiple provisions of international human rights law and resulted directly from her lawful exercise of the right to freedom of expression.

Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing next week, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said:

“The Kyrgyzstani authorities now have a clear and unavoidable choice: uphold their international human rights obligations or continue to defy them. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has unequivocally concluded that Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy’s imprisonment is unlawful, her conviction must be quashed, and she must be immediately released and compensated for the violations suffered. There is nothing ambiguous, optional or symbolic about this decision.”

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has unequivocally concluded that Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy’s imprisonment is unlawful, her conviction must be quashed, and she must be immediately released and compensated for the violations suffered

Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director

“Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy’s continuous detention sends a chilling message to all independent voices in Kyrgyzstan that reporting on corruption and human rights abuses comes at the price of freedom.”

“The hearing before the Supreme Court is an opportunity to demonstrate that international law and Kyrgyzstan’s own Constitution are not mere words on paper.”

Background

Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy was arrested along with 10 colleagues on 16 January 2024. They were charged with “calls for mass disorder” solely on the basis of their work for the independent investigative media projects, Temirov LIVE and Ayt Ayt Dese.  

On 10 October 2024, following a trial that failed to meet international fair trial standards, Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment. Appeal courts upheld the conviction.

The post Kyrgyzstan: Authorities must free journalist Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy and quash her wrongful conviction appeared first on Amnesty International.