Lesotho's Bold Step in Strengthening Human Rights through Civil Society Organizations

By: Lerato Brown, Communications and Marketing Manager, Lesotho

The profound words of the Honorable Pitso Lesaoana, Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture, Arts, and Social Development, continue to resonate: 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' These words were shared during the recent launch of the Strengthening of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights Project (PPHR).

Esteemed individuals, including Her Excellency Paola Amadei, the Head of Delegation at the European Union, Police Compol Holomo Molibeli, and Minister of Home Affairs Lebona Lephema, graced the event. Young Parliamentarians also joined, expressing their concerns and shedding light on the impact of these issues on the youth in our country.

The PPHR initiative, generously granted to World Vision International Lesotho (WVIL) by the European Union (EU), aims to enhance social protection systems by monitoring, preventing, and responding to human trafficking, as well as promoting and safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities, as emphasized by Her Excellency. This meticulously selected project emerged from a highly competitive call for proposals in 2022, with its primary objective being the advancement of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

Her Excellency also commended the outstanding track record of World Vision Lesotho, recognizing their role as a trusted partner of the EU in implementing actions related to disaster preparedness, management, and support for victims.

Mr. James Chifwelu, the WVIL National Director, further emphasized the planned interventions of the PPHR project, highlighting their contribution to Lesotho's National Strategies and international treaties, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People Living with Disabilities (CRPD) 2006, the SDG 2023 Agenda, and the protocol to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children (known as the Palermo Protocol).

Honorable Lesaoana reiterated the Ministry's commitment to assisting organizations dedicated to protecting individuals who have fallen victim to trafficking and ensuring their well-being. He specifically acknowledged the presence of the Beautiful Dream Society, an organization created to provide a secure and compassionate environment for sheltering and rehabilitating victims of human trafficking. Their comprehensive support includes refuge, sustenance, clothing, empathetic assistance, legal aid, psychological counseling, and spiritual guidance, recognizing the profound impact of trauma.

The young parliamentarians expressed heartfelt appreciation to the European Union in Lesotho and World Vision International Lesotho for their efforts in implementing the PPHR project. Gift Rangoajane, a young parliamentarian from the Mpharane Area Programme in Mohale's Hoek district, highlighted children's expectations from the project, including advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and engaging in dialogues with the government of Lesotho through platforms like children's parliaments.

Felile Mokoma, a young parliamentarian from the Phamong Area Programme in Mohales Hoek district, emphasized society's collective responsibility to support and protect children, particularly those living with disabilities. She urged an end to harassment, insults, and discrimination, calling for open hearts and a commitment to providing assistance and inclusivity.

While specific data on human trafficking may be limited in Lesotho, the country faces challenges concerning other forms of exploitation, including child labor and the mistreatment of individuals with disabilities. These issues intersect with human rights concerns, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive efforts to promote and protect human rights throughout the nation.

The implementation of the PPHR project began in February 2023 and aims to enhance collaboration, cooperation, and coordination with the government and relevant stakeholders, including community-based organizations (CBOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs), and community leaders.

This collaborative approach seeks to strengthen their capacities, skills, competencies, and knowledge, enabling meaningful engagement and leadership in monitoring, preventing, and responding to trafficking in persons and violations of the rights of people living with disabilities. James Chifwelu emphasized that this initiative will ensure the government reaches and fulfills its targets outlined in the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2011 and the Disability Equity Act of 2021.

The project is being implemented in seven (7) districts of Lesotho namely: Maseru, Leribe, Berea, Mokhotlong, Mohale’s hoek, Mafeteng, and Quthing targeting over 85 000 beneficiaries. Through proactive measures to address human trafficking and advance human rights protection, Lesotho has the potential to create a safer and more equitable society for all its citizens.