A Call to Action: Lesotho’s Pledge to End Violence Against Children

The Right Honourable Prime Minister Samuel Matekane today launched Lesotho's National Pledge to Prevent Violence Against Children, marking a significant step ahead of the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, set to take place in Bogotá, Colombia, on November 7-8, 2024.

The Minister of Social Development, Gender, Youth, and Sports, Hon. Pitso Lesaoana emphasized the critical importance of the pledge, stating, "The Ministry is responsible for the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act of 2011, the development of child protection policies, and coordinating child protection matters. However, the protection and welfare of children in Lesotho cuts across several ministries. While strides have been made to fight violence against children, there remains a pressing need to do more. Our children are abused emotionally, physically, and sexually on a daily basis, and this pledge serves as a reminder that our commitment must translate into decisive action to protect them."

This pledge reaffirms Lesotho’s commitment to providing comprehensive child protection systems and ensuring access for all marginalized and vulnerable children, including children with disabilities, orphans, victims of child labor and early marriage, children in conflict with the law, and homeless children in both rural and urban areas. It calls for unified efforts to protect children in their homes, schools, communities, and online.

The Right Hon. Prime Minister underscored the government's resolve, noting, "Violence against our children today must be seen as a war and an enemy of the state. The Kingdom of Lesotho calls on all its partners, friends, and the nation at large to support efforts in protecting children in every space they occupy." He further emphasized the importance of collective action to create a safe and supportive environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Ministers of His Majesty’s Cabinet, The Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture?Hon. Motlatsi Maqelepo, remarked, "This is not just a symbolic act, but a commitment to take concrete steps to end violence against children in Lesotho. We join the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Social Development in declaring an end to violence against children in our country."

The upcoming conference, organized in collaboration with the governments of Colombia and Sweden, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, provides an opportunity to accelerate global action, focusing on building stronger child protection and violence prevention systems.

Kimanzi Muthengi, UNICEF Lesotho Deputy Representative reiterated UNICEF's commitment, stating, "UNICEF stands firmly with the Government of Lesotho in its efforts to end violence against children. We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening child protection systems to ensure that every child, especially the most vulnerable, is safe from harm. We will continue to work with partners and the government to enhance the provision of universal access to quality support for parents and caregivers, create safe school environments, and deliver comprehensive prevention and response services for all children."

The US Embassy in Maseru’s Chargé d'Affaires, Thomas Hines, echoed this sentiment, committing the US government’s support to Lesotho’s efforts to end all forms of violence against children. "We stand with Lesotho and the global community in this critical fight to safeguard the future of our children," said Hines.

The Government of Lesotho has made significant progress in its efforts to end violence against children. This includes the domestication of international conventions such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), as well as the enactment of key legislation, including the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act of 2011 and the Education Act of 2010. These legal frameworks reinforce the government’s dedication to creating a safer environment for children.

Additionally, Lesotho’s endorsement of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and Africa’s Agenda 2063 highlights its focus on human capital development through the strategic investment of public resources in children. These ongoing efforts reflect the government’s deep resolve to build a society where every child is free from violence and able to reach their full potential.

?

?