In her speech during the event, Ambassador Hernandez Aragones, reiterated the EU's commitment to continue to support and advocate for the rights of the LGBTIQ community in Eswatini.

She said there was need to continuously push for social transformation in order to eliminate stigma, discrimination and any negative attitude towards LGBTIQ people.

"In this, everyone has a role to play. It is important that we collaborate and support civil society organizations and other like-minded partners who are constantly advocating for the promotion and protection of the rights of the LGBTIQs.

"We recognize the role played by the Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities and other organizations who continue to raise awareness on the rights of LGBTIQ people thus showing our communities that no matter who we love or who we are, everyone should enjoy the same rights.

"It is thus very important to continue supporting awareness-raising activities that promote positive messages about LGBTIQs showing that hate and prejudice is not acceptable and LGBTIQ people should be viewed as equals," said the Ambassador.

She then called on the government to play its role as well that of reforming the legislative framework so that the right to equality provided for in the Eswatini Constitution is enjoyed by all including LGBTIQ people.

The Ambassador concluded by saying the EU will continue to support the efforts of ESGM to be lawfully registered by the government.