Eswatini’s Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, sparked concern after media reports quoted him during back-to-school visits in the Hhohho Region, near Mbabane, saying that same-sex relationships have “no place” in schools and that LGBTI students should be expelled. Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Flavia Mwangovya, condemned the remarks, emphasizing that schools must remain safe, inclusive spaces where every student’s right to education is protected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Mwangovya warned that threatening students with expulsion based on their real or perceived sexual orientation is discriminatory and deeply harmful. She highlighted that such statements by senior officials risk legitimizing stigma, increasing bullying and violence, and potentially driving marginalized students out of school. Amnesty International urged Eswatini’s authorities to publicly reject discriminatory rhetoric and implement safeguards to prevent harassment while protecting the dignity and wellbeing of all students.
The organization called on the Ministry of Education and Training to ensure that no student is punished on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, including due to stereotypes or rumors. Authorities are also urged to provide clear protections against bullying and violence, establish confidential reporting mechanisms, and ensure survivor-centered responses to complaints of intimidation, harassment, or abuse.
Amnesty International’s research highlights the consequences of Eswatini’s lack of legal protections for LGBTI people, noting that consensual same-sex relations between men remain criminalized under section 185(5) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, even if the law is largely obsolete in practice. The research also points to widespread fear and discrimination, weak accountability when abuses are reported, and barriers to accessing essential services, demonstrating the urgent need for protective measures and inclusive policies in education and beyond.
