ICFTU+campaigning+for+democracy+in+Swaziland+-+COSATU

=****Media alert****=

The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions has joined the many organisations campaigning for democracy in Swaziland. In a letter to the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Don McKinnon, on 13 March 2006, ICFTU General Secretary Guy Ryder, wrote:



Dear Mr Secretary-General


 * The Commonwealth position of democracy in Swaziland**

On this auspicious occasion of Commonwealth Day, I would like to appeal to you to extend your invaluable support to the widespread call for meaningful democratic changes in Swaziland.

This call comes both from a broad-based civil society in Swaziland and an ever growing number of international organisations. The changes being called for are in line with the Commonwealth values of a constitution that is democratically approved and which guarantees a democratically elected parliament, a transparent and accountable government, provisions for the effective separation of the legislative, judicial and the executive arms of the state and full respect of basic human rights.

Dear Mr Secretary-General, we are bound to join the ever growing number of voices expressing serious concern regarding the position of the Commonwealth Secretariat on Swaziland. May we refer you to the statement issued today by the Commonwealth Human Rights Network in this respect.

We express the hope that the Commonwealth Secretariat will rise up to the challenge posed by the undemocratic Swazi regime and live up to the hope and expectations of millions of citizens across the Commonwealth who look toward your institution as an invaluable instrument for promoting freedom and genuine democracy.


 * Yours sincerely, Guy Ryder, General Secretary**

Congress of South African Trade Unions 1-5 Leyds Cnr Biccard Streets Braamfontein, 2017
 * Patrick Craven (Editor, Shopsteward Journal)

P.O.Box 1019 Johannesburg, 2000 South Africa

Tel: +27 11 339-4911/24 Fax: +27 11 339-5080/6940 E-Mail: patrick@cosatu.org.za**