Mbabane – The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, through the Department of Gender and Family Issues, has begun preparations for the implementation of National Restorative Justice Guidelines for Gender Based Violence.
The guidelines were validated during a multi sectoral stakeholder meeting held on Friday, 21 August 2026. The meeting brought together community leaders, civil society organisations, law enforcement agencies, His Majesty’s Correctional Services and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The initiative seeks to complement Eswatini’s existing criminal justice system, which is anchored by the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018. 
According to the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, while formal courts remain important in holding offenders criminally accountable, court processes alone may not address the emotional and relational harm caused by gender based violence.
The proposed guidelines provide for a survivor centred approach that places strong responsibility on offenders while also seeking to restore peace, safety and stability within affected communities.
The Department of Gender and Family Issues said the guidelines were developed through contributions from various stakeholders to ensure that they respond to the realities and needs of communities in Eswatini.
The office thanked community leaders, civil society organisations, the Royal Eswatini Police Service, His Majesty’s Correctional Services and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for participating in the development and validation of the framework.
The validation process marks the beginning of efforts to put the guidelines into practice. Stakeholders are expected to continue engaging communities, addressing gaps in the justice system and strengthening the country’s response to gender based violence.
