The Ministry of Social Development and the key stakeholders hold a State Report Validation Meeting in Berea

The Ministry of Social Development and the key stakeholders hold a State Report Validation Meeting in Berea

The Ministry of Social Development through the Children Services Department, held a meeting with some government ministries and non-governmental organizations dealing with children issues at Blue Mountain Inn in Berea, on the 20th October 2021.

The purpose of the meeting was to review the progress of the government’s report on children issues.

Director Children Services Department Mrs. Mookho Motheo said that Lesotho signed a treaty with other countries, to address children issues basing Herself on the international guidelines ,and the meeting is also meant to review the successes achieved, on implementing what they have committed themselves to, and discuss the challenges they come across as well as to map the way forward.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Training, Mr. John Mohlouoa, indicated that their stake in this meeting is to prepare a report for the world, to ensure that every student from Grade R to Tertiary level is protected against all forms of abuse. He said they are working tirelessly with the involved ministries, to eradicate child labour, and take children to school

One Mr. Lits’oane Keketsi, on behalf of The Ministry of Home Affairs, mentioned that he is at the meeting, is to inform the participants about the progress in expanding the service of the birth certificates registration at all rural areas, as the focus seems to be at townships only.

He indicated that the registration requirements are no longer the same, as there is addition on what was needed before, as a result, parents could not register their children due to the missing documents.

Speaking for non-governmental organizations, Letsema Child Rights Network’s Mrs. ‘Malineo Mots’epe said that they signed an agreement with the government, to work hand-in-clove to meet the international standards. She clarified that their presence is to inspect the government report to confirm that the rights of children are observed. She concluded that it is mandatory for children to take part in issues that concern them, and as non-governmental organizations, they are proud that the latter is well observed.