Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Minister of Justice and Law, Mr. Richards Ramoeletsi has commended the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) on the good work it has been doing as well as for promoting human rights, good governance and the rule of law.
In his meeting with the ACHPR delegation, the Minister said Lesotho was the first country to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Elderly Persons in Africa and that efforts are being made to domesticate this convention and noted that preparations for ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are at an advanced stage.
Regarding the establishment of the Human Rights Commission, Mr. Ramoeletsi said the Government acknowledges the importance of establishing National Human Rights Institutions that are Paris Principle compliant, noting that the constitutional provision establishing the commission was included in the amendment of the Constitution addressing the reforms.
He, therefore, said the government is preparing the way forward since the court of appeal quashed the said amendment. The Minister further indicated that the delegation would meet various stakeholders during their promotion mission and appreciate this, as it would be useful for taking stock of the achievements, shortcomings and challenges that lie ahead for Lesotho in the promotion and protection of the human rights of her citizens.
He therefore wished the Commission well in their mission, saying he is looking forward to the report of the delegation. The delegation will be in the country for five days to promote the African Charter as well as promote the mandate of the African Commission.
It comprises Commissioner, Honourable Ourveena Geereesha Topsy–Sono who is the appointed Commissioner for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Lesotho and a Special rapporteur of Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa.
Commissioner, Dr Litha Musyimi-Ogana, the Chairperson of the working group on Indigenous Populations /Communities and Minorities in Africa as well as the chairperson of the committee for the protection of rights of persons living with HIV and those at risk, vulnerable to and affected by HIV.
The delegation will further visit the correctional institution and hold discussions with administration officials on issues relating to detention and prison conditions, gather information about the human rights defenders and the challenges they face.
It will also gather information on the rights of vulnerable groups that include women, children, asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons, migrants, older persons, persons with disabilities, indigenous populations, communities, people living with HIV, persons in detention and vulnerable groups in Lesotho. The last mission was in the country in 2018 where recommendations that emanated from it (the mission) are being continuously implemented.
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