Ezulwini – Senators thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for an eye-opening session on pending international legislation that Eswatini still needs to comply with, advocating compliance that will help the country rank higher.
Speaking on behalf of the Senate at the program’s conclusion at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini, Senate President Senator Lindiwe Dlamini stated that the training provided an opportunity for them to learn about the mechanics of international law and why it was critical for the country to comply.
“The technicalities of treaties and, most importantly, our sacred constitutional duty as the Senate to shape and advance our nation’s standing on the global stage,” Dlamini said. 
The two-day programme provided expert opinions on 23 international legal instruments, which covered eight ministerial portfolios. It is the result of the National Reporting Mechanism and Follow-ups (NRMF) unit, which combines the ministries of justice and constitutional affairs, foreign affairs and international cooperation, and the deputy prime minister’s office. At its core, the NRMF is aligned with diplomatic relations, protocol services, treaties and human rights.
Dlamini, thanking the facilitators, said their expert guidance ‘demystified what can often feel like a maze of legal jargon.’
“You’ve given us such a good understanding. You have also reminded us that international instruments are not just pieces of paper signed in foreign capitals. They are living blueprints for domestic progress. “I want to thank you for the work that you have done,” she said, adding that it strengthens parliamentary governance.
The Senate president said senators did not just rubber-stamp but interrogated each and every international instrument. Dlamini reiterated that their role as senators in the ratification process is a critical checkpoint for the nation.
“This workshop has driven home three vital truths that we must carry back into the chamber. Vital truths are ratification, the power of scrutiny, and domestication. Maybe what I can say briefly on ratification is that it is a sovereign responsibility when we ratify an international treaty, we are aligning our national development goals with global standards. Whether it relates to commerce, human rights protection, or gender issues, these instruments directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens,” she said.
Dlamini stated that scrutiny takes precedence over rubber-stamping, and that they are now more equipped to assess the consequences, benefits, and domestic legislative adjustments required before providing their assent.
Dlamini stated that domestication of international instruments gives them fangs, and he promised to continue working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to ensure that ratified treaties are efficiently translated into practical domestic policy.
