A resolution condemning the human rights record of the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the brutal killing of Eswatini activist Thulani Maseko on January 21, 2023.

Bill: 118-sres-174
Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2023-04-26 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Africa
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Eswatini
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Human rights
Political parties and affiliation
Sanctions
Violent crime

Summary:
action_date: 2023-04-26
text: 
This resolution condemns the murder of Eswatini human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko and expresses concern about reports of continued human rights violations in Eswatini. 
 
The resolution also calls on Eswatini (1) to fully investigate the murder, (2) to uphold human rights and freedoms, (3) to engage in a national dialogue regarding democratic reforms, and (4) to fully staff and empower Commission of Human Rights and Public Accountability (CHRPA) investigators. It also calls on the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights to conduct an independent investigation and encourages the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to maintain and to expand support for human rights in Eswatini.

action_date: 2023-06-12
text: 
This resolution condemns the murder of Eswatini human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko and expresses concern about reports of continued human rights violations in Eswatini. 
 
The resolution also calls on Eswatini (1) to fully investigate the murder, (2) to uphold human rights and freedoms, (3) to engage in a national dialogue regarding democratic reforms, and (4) to fully staff and empower Commission of Human Rights and Public Accountability (CHRPA) investigators. It also calls on the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights to conduct an independent investigation and encourages the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to maintain and to expand support for human rights in Eswatini.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2024-05-22
text: Star Print ordered on the resolution.
action_date: 2024-04-15
text: Resolution agreed to in Senate with an amendment and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2024-04-15
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate with an amendment and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2024-04-15
text: The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2024-04-15
text: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 92.
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Menendez with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and with an amended preamble. Without written report.
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Menendez with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and with an amended preamble. Without written report.
action_date: 2023-06-08
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
action_date: 2023-04-26
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S1390-1391)
action_date: 2023-04-26
text: Introduced in Senate