The watchdog cites concerns in Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the host country Swaziland.

ends intro

The 1992 Windhoek treaty establishing the 15-nation SADC places huge importance on human rights, peace, security and equality.

The region is relatively peaceful , says Human Rights Watch but realising the human rights principles and objectives set out in the treaty has been painstakingly slow.

In fact, in some member states, there has been a noticeable rollback of human rights in recent years.

With high levels of state under-preparedness to withstand economic shocks, it is hardly surprising that public discontent has become more strident and  people are demanding government protection from spiralling inflationary pressures and an impossibly high cost of living.

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