Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development has tabled the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill, 2023 before the Senate’s Legislation Committee, seeking stronger safeguards for children against various hazards, including cases of human trafficking disguised as adoption.
Presenting the Bill, Minister Pitso Lesaoana said the proposed amendments are aimed at strengthening the protection of children’s wellbeing and rights, particularly during and after adoption processes. He explained that the revised law will create a robust monitoring framework, enabling authorities to track the welfare of adopted children and swiftly intervene where concerns arise.
“We have learned from disturbing incidents where adoption was used as a cover for trafficking,” Lesaoana said. “This Bill will empower the state to follow up on children post-adoption and, in cases where a child is found in unsafe conditions, the adoption can be legally reversed.”
The amendments also propose enhanced background checks for prospective adopters, mandatory post-adoption welfare reports, and tighter collaboration between law enforcement, social workers, and child protection agencies.
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