Eswatini’s education minister has publicly opposed protections for LGBTQ+ students in schools, drawing condemnation from Amnesty International, which says the remarks conflict with the country’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.

Minister Owen Nxumalo publicly rejected calls to recognize or protect LGBTQ+ students in schools, asserting that such recognition would conflict with Eswatini’s cultural values. Same-sex sexual conduct between men remains criminalized in Eswatini under colonial-era laws, punishable by imprisonment. Legal advocacy groups have documented that these laws contribute to a climate of fear and social exclusion for LGBTQ+ people, especially for young people in schools, by reinforcing negative stereotypes and discouraging victims from reporting abuse.

Eswatini has legal and constitutional commitments to ensure equality and dignity for all people. The country’s Constitution guarantees equality before the law and freedom from discrimination, and stipulates that these protections extend to all learners regardless of status or identity. International human rights law also requires states to provide education in an environment free from discrimination and violence, including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Eswatini has also ratified several international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which obliges states to respect and ensure rights without discrimination and to protect individuals from advocacy of hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination or hostility. Public officials have a responsibility to avoid making statements that could contribute to discrimination, hostility, or other forms of harm, particularly against already marginalized groups.