Lesotho's Citizen Voices Addressing Violence Against Children (CVAVAC) Project Shaping a Safer Tomorrow for Children
By: Reentseng Phephetho, Communications and Digital Officer, Lesotho
World Vision International Lesotho, in collaboration with dedicated partners, is actively engaged in Social Accountability meetings in Leribe, marking a pivotal moment in the Citizen Voices Addressing Violence Against Children (CVAVAC) project. Funded by the European Union in Lesotho, this 3-year initiative seeks to empower communities, advocate for legislative reform, and bring about child-appropriate improvements in the justice sector. The overarching goal is to safeguard the rights and welfare of children in Lesotho.
The CVAVAC project, managed by World Vision Ireland in partnership with World Vision International Lesotho, employs a multi-faceted approach to address violence against children. The project focuses on empowering youth and communities, engaging in national advocacy campaigns, and implementing child-appropriate improvements in the justice sector. Through the Citizen Voice and Action (CVA) model, communities generate evidence, participate in community sensitization, and monitor progress through Action Plans.
The primary objective of these social accountability meetings are to assess the progress made and confront the challenges encountered since the inception of the CVAVAC project. At the heart of the agenda lies the empowerment of communities to advocate for enhanced service delivery within the justice sector, thereby safeguarding the welfare and rights of children.
Gathering Evidence for Policy Influence:
Representatives from Citizen Voice and Action (CVA) and Community Child Protection Teams (CCPT) are playing a pivotal role in providing insights into pressing child protection issues. Their evidence serves as a catalyst for policy influence, driving meaningful changes in legislation and practice.
Maisaac Monyolo, a devoted member of the CVA initiative in Mapoteng Area Programme, emphasized the significant outreach effort in engaging 246 community members in discussions surrounding critical child protection issues. These discussions encompassed a range of topics, including the risks associated with early initiation practices, the prevalence of early child marriages, instances of child abuse, and various other concerns.
"Notably, a remarkable outreach effort has been undertaken, with 246 community members engaged in discussions surrounding critical child protection issues." - Maisaac Monyolo, CVA Initiative Member
Advocating for Legislative Reform:
The meetings center on advocating for amendments to two critical laws: The Protection and Administration of Custom at Initiation Schools Bill 2022 and the Amendment of the Child Protection and Welfare Act (CPWA) 2011. These legislative changes aim to protect children from the risks associated with initiation schools and criminalize child marriage, reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding children's rights.
Mr. Mosalla Makolometsa, a member of the National Initiation Committee, passionately pledged efforts to eliminate early initiation practices for children under the age of 18. His commitment reflects the collective responsibility shared in upholding and cherishing cherished Basotho traditions.
"As a member of the National Initiation Committee, I pledge to dedicate my efforts towards eliminating early initiation practices for children under the age of 18." - Mr. Mosalla Makolometsa
National Advocacy Coalition Campaign:
The project revives the National Advocacy Steering Committee (NASC) to engage civil society organizations (CSOs) in pursuing child-rights-related legislation. This involves strengthening NASC's advocacy capacities to promote improvements in child justice.
Mr. Thabiso Lerata, Acting Cluster Manager of MAPIKO, highlighted the importance of collaboration among relevant government sectors. He urged these sectors to unite and align their efforts with World Vision's mission. Together, they can strive towards enhancing service delivery standards and collectively work towards ensuring the protection of children in Lesotho.
“Together, they can strive towards enhancing service delivery standards and collectively work towards ensuring the protection of children in Lesotho." - Mr. Thabiso Lerata, Acting Cluster Manager of MAPIKO
Child-Appropriate Improvements in the Justice Sector:
Specific training and support are provided to justice authorities and staff to enhance child-friendly environments. The project also entails establishing pilot courtrooms and waiting rooms designed to provide a child-friendly atmosphere.
Mr. Sello Mahloane, CVAVAC Project Coordinator, emphasized, "Our utmost priority is ensuring child protection through effective service delivery. Let's unite in our efforts to address and overcome any barriers that impede service delivery, particularly for the most vulnerable children in Lesotho."
Despite these efforts, Lesotho still faces challenges such as under reported cases of violence against children, particularly within families. Prosecuting such cases remains challenging, and achieving tangible results demands joint efforts from local communities, the justice sector, and project staff.
As World Vision International Lesotho navigates the complexities of child protection and justice, the CVAVAC project stands as a channel towards the attainment of a safe and secure Lesotho for children. By empowering communities, advocating for legislative reform, and implementing child-appropriate improvements, the project strives to create a safer, more just society for all.
In the face of evolving challenges, collective commitment and collaborative action are essential to secure justice and protection for vulnerable children in Lesotho.