Child-Friendly Courts: Transforming Justice for Lesotho’s Children
By: Lerato Brown, Communications and Marketing Manager, Lesotho
Lesotho marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of five newly renovated child-friendly courts, a testament to the transformative power of partnerships. This initiative, driven by the Citizen Voices Addressing Violence Against Children (CVAVAC) project, funded by the European Union and managed by World Vision Ireland in partnership with World Vision Lesotho, highlights a shared commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for children navigating the justice system.
The Need for Child-Friendly Courts
Lesotho’s children’s courts previously faced challenges that limited their effectiveness in supporting vulnerable young individuals. Limited resources led to courtrooms that, while functional, were not specifically designed with children in mind. The environments could feel intimidating and overwhelming, hindering children’s ability to engage with the justice process and compounding their emotional distress. Recognizing this, the government and its partners aspired to create courts that prioritize children’s needs, ensuring justice that is sensitive and accessible.
"The importance of these courts cannot be overstated," emphasized Dr. Bob Muchabaiwa UNICEF Lesotho Country Representative (a.i), adding that "they are symbols of hope, fairness, and opportunity." The refurbished courts now address these gaps, transforming justice spaces into child-friendly environments that provide comfort, safety, and support for young individuals.
The CVAVAC project aims to address violence against children by strengthening protective environments, enhancing access to justice, and advocating for legislative reforms. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, the project seeks to empower children and their families while ensuring that the justice system is equipped to meet the unique needs of young individuals. By focusing on infrastructure development and capacity building, CVAVAC embodies a comprehensive approach to child protection.
A Milestone for Justice
The event celebrated the culmination of tireless efforts to ensure children’s rights are upheld within Lesotho’s judicial system. The five courts, strategically located across Maseru, Leribe, Berea, Mohale’s Hoek, and Thaba-Tseka, now meet the highest standards of child-appropriate infrastructure. These spaces are more than just refurbished buildings; they are symbols of hope, fairness, and a brighter future for Lesotho’s children.
"These courts will now provide a safe and welcoming environment for children navigating the justice system," highlighted World Vision’s National Director, Mr. James Chifwelu reinforcing the transformative impact of these renovations.
Each of the five courts underwent significant improvements to create child-friendly environments, tailored to meet the needs of children and their families:
Maseru Children’s Court: Renovation of the park home into a child-friendly space, including necessary repairs, provision of child play and therapy tools, child-friendly furniture, a video conferencing system with staff training, internet access, and enhanced court visibility.
Tsifa Li Mali (Leribe) Children’s Court: Installation of a video conferencing system with staff training, provision of child play and therapy tools, child-friendly furniture, and improved court visibility.
Berea Children’s Court: Renovation of the park home into a child-friendly space, including necessary repairs, provision of child play and therapy tools, child-friendly furniture, a video conferencing system with staff training, an electricity connection, and improved court visibility.
Mohale’s Hoek and Thaba-Tseka Children’s Courts: In collaboration with UNICEF Lesotho and funded by the Government of Japan, these courts were renovated into child-friendly spaces, provided with child play and therapy tools, child-friendly furniture, video conferencing systems with staff training, and enhanced court visibility.
"The changes we’ve seen here today are the results of years of collaboration and a shared vision," noted the Magistrate, who also expressed profound gratitude and pledged to safeguard the renovated courts.
The CVAVAC project has gone beyond infrastructure. It has strengthened advocacy, empowered communities, and supported legislative progress in child protection. These achievements reflect the collective will of local and international partners, civil society organizations, and community leaders to place children at the heart of development.
"By addressing the unique needs of children with sensitivity, these courts ensure their rights and welfare are prioritized," noted Ambassador Paula Amadei, European Union Head of Delegation, emphasizing the specialized legal framework these spaces provide.
The Power of Partnership
The CVAVAC project’s success underscores the importance of collaboration. From donors and implementing partners to local authorities and community leaders, every stakeholder played a vital role in realizing this vision.
"This court is not just a physical space but a symbol of hope, fairness, opportunity, and a recognition of children’s rights, voices, and dreams," said Dr. Muchabaiwa, highlighting the shared commitment to uphold children’s rights.
This initiative is an inspiration of hope for Lesotho’s children. By prioritizing their rights and creating environments where they feel safe and heard, the nation is laying the foundation for a brighter future.
"These courts will have a positive impact by holding those who violate children’s rights accountable," a statement that echoed from all the leaders on the long-term benefits of these child-friendly spaces.
As the event concluded, the Magistrate’s words resonated: "We pledge to use the property for only its intentions and to take care of it the best way we can." The message was clear: when children thrive, communities thrive. Let us continue to champion initiatives that put children at the centre. Together, we can build a Lesotho where every child feels protected, valued, and empowered.