Child Protection

What we want to do:

We want to see children who know they are loved by God and their neighbours and who are cared for, protected and participating in the decisions that affect them and their lives. We are working towards this by: 

  • Ensuring families and communities understand children’s rights
  • Helping families understand the importance of birth registration
  • Making sure children live in safe communities with adequate places to play and develop
  • Making sure children are respected and allowed to participate in decisions that affect them
What is the problem?

Poverty and the break-down of the family structure puts children in Lesotho at risk daily.

  • Only 46% of children between 12 and 18 reported having a birth certificate in 2017, severely limiting their access to services (such as education and health) as well as their opportunities later in life
  • 10,000 children experience sexual violence (including child marriage) each year
  • 1 in 3 children live with someone other than their biological parents
How is World Vision addressing the issues?

We are increasing the communities’ ability to advocate for and monitor the implementation of laws and policies designed to protect children. We are working to reduce gender-based violence and strengthening the mechanisms that allow children to have a voice at both community and national levels. 

Is what World Vision doing working? 

Yes! In the areas where World Vision has been working longer, we see a significant increase in the number of children with birth certificates: 67.5% in 2017, compared to the national average of 46%. Community and child-led advocacy efforts have led to the revision and amendment of laws, such as the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act to address concerns, such as child marriage.

What’s the impact?* 
  • 1,680 children and youth are participating in children’s clubs or groups supported by World Vision where they learn about their rights and how to be active participants in their lives

*Numbers from 2016 and 2017

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