The Minister of Justice and Law says despite the low economy the country is reeling in, Human Rights issues remain a challenge that needs to be addressed.

This, Mr. Richard Ramoeletsi said during the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day in Thaba-Tseka on Sunday.

According to the Minister, it is important to educate the public about human rights as it will help and reduce the number of reported cases of violence and abuse.

He said people should remember that having the highest number of cases puts the country badly internationally.

Mr. Ramoeletsi therefore, called for education and public sensitization about Human Rights to ensure that everyone is familiar and understand this topic, adding that young people should know that the rights go along with responsibilities.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Amanda Khozi Mukwashi said in Lesotho and around the globe, they have witnessed a remarkable progress in advancing human rights.

She said progress is made in education and healthcare to achievements in gender equality and access to justice.

She said Lesotho’s journey has been one of resilience and determination.

“This positive shift is especially evident in areas like chieftainship where the approach towards women’s participation has evolved from previously held reservations to a more inclusive and equitable stance’, she said.

She however noted that the country’s work is far from over as it faces persistent challenges that demand urgent attention and action, saying such issues include access to justice particularly which remain a concern.

She said the country must empower the most vulnerable including women, children minorities and refugees through joint programmes in gender, governance and food systems.

“We all know how it feels to be discriminated, it may be due to sexual orientation or circumstances beyond one’s control,” she said.

In conclusion, Mukwashi said it is important to advocate for policies and promotion of justice, issues of gender equality and supporting and protecting vulnerable communities.

In commemoration of the Human Rights Day, identified vulnerable groups such as albinos, vulnerable children, women and teenage girls were presented with packages.

The albinos and vulnerable children were given blankets, toiletry and school shoes while women and girls were given sanitary towels.

The expected number of beneficiaries that was to be presented with gifts was 60 but many including the elderly did not show up.

This year’s theme is ‘Human Rights Education for, by and with the Youth’.

Source: LENA 12/12/2023