Empowering Media for Human Rights: Combating Trafficking and Advocating for People with Disabilities in Lesotho

Speech by: Mr. James Chifwelu, World Vision Int. Lesotho National Director

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed journalists, representatives from partner organizations under the PPHR project; Lesotho National Federation of Organizations for the Disabled (LNFOD) and Beautiful Dream Society (BDS) present here today and distinguished guests,

It is an honor to address you today at this significant gathering focused on the promotion and protection of human rights in Lesotho. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the European Union in Lesotho for their generous funding on the Strengthening of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (PPHR) project. This three-year initiative, spanning from 2023 to 2026, holds the potential to create a profound impact on the lives of vulnerable communities in our nation.

The Geographical coverage of the project is extensive, encompassing the districts of Mokhotlong, Leribe, Berea, Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale's Hoek, and Quthing. The overarching objective of this project is to fortify our social protection systems, particularly in monitoring, preventing, and responding to Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and safeguarding the rights of People with Disabilities (PwD).

Today, as we gather here with journalists from various media houses, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Lesotho National Federation of Organizations for the Disabled(LNFOD), Beautiful Dream Society (BDS), and dedicated staff from World Vision International Lesotho (WVIL), our objective is clear: to build the capacity of local journalists on the crucial issues of Trafficking in Persons (TiP) and the rights of people with disabilities (PwDs). Through this training, we aim to empower journalists to report sensitively and effectively on the two outcomes of the PPHR Project: Trafficking in Persons and the Protection of the rights of People with Disability.

Outcome 1 of the project focuses on the establishment and strengthening of Children’s Clubs, Community Council Child Protection Teams (CCCPTs), Congregational Hope Action Teams (CHATs), Auxiliary Social Workers, and relevant community leaders. By involving key actors and utilizing the Systems Approach Model, we seek to address the issue of Trafficking in Persons more comprehensively, with an emphasis on prevention. This outcome aims to directly benefit 8,710 individuals, including members of Children's Clubs, CCCPTs, CHATs, Auxiliary Social Workers, and 8,000 community members.

Outcome 2 centers on empowering the Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD) to apply Citizen Voice and Action (CVA) skills. Through CVA, we aspire to foster collaborative dialogues between citizens and the government to promote and protect the rights of People with Disabilities. This outcome seeks to benefit 2,500 PwDs, facilitating a stronger voice for their rights and improved service delivery.

Collaboration is key to the success of this project, and we envision meaningful engagements between government departments, civil society organizations (including CBOs and FBOs), media houses, and community leaders. By equipping them with essential skills, competencies, and knowledge, they can play a pivotal role in monitoring, preventing, and responding to Trafficking in Persons and violations of the rights of PwDs. LNFOD will receive specific training on the Citizen Voice and Action (CVA) model, while BDS will collaborate in identifying survivors of TIP. Our journalists and media houses are also instrumental in disseminating key messages to the wider public.

As we embark on this important journey together, let us recognize the significance of our collective efforts in transforming lives and upholding human rights. By shedding light on the challenges faced by the vulnerable, we can become catalysts for positive change. Our responsibility as journalists is not only to report but to advocate for those whose voices often go unheard.

Through your reporting, you have the power to bring attention to the atrocities of trafficking and the rights of people with disabilities. Your words can inspire empathy, understanding, and action. As you undergo this training, I urge you to approach these topics with sensitivity, accuracy, and a commitment to ethical journalism. Your stories have the potential to shape perceptions, influence policies, and ultimately create a safer, more inclusive Lesotho.

Together, we can empower communities to prevent trafficking, protect the rights of People with Disabilities, and build a nation where human rights are respected, cherished, and upheld by all. The path ahead may be challenging, but with our collective determination and unwavering commitment, we can make a difference.

Thank you once again to the European Union for their support, to all the organizations involved, and to each one of you, journalists, who play an instrumental role in this endeavor. Let us begin this journey together, knowing that we hold the power to effect lasting change for a better, more just Lesotho. 

Ke ea Leboha

Khotso. Pula. Nala