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10.0
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHILD
10.1
Responsibility towards parents, the family, community, supervisors,
the State and the Continent (Article 31).
Section 21 of the CPW Act states a child’s duties and responsibilities to respect their
parent, guardian, superior, elder and assist them where needed. They have duties
conferred to serve the community, preserve and strengthen social and national solidarity
and uphold positive values of the community.
11.0
CONCLUSIONS
It should be recognized that several legislative and administrative measures have been
employed by GoL to give effect to the provisions of the charter. With respect to
legislative measures, Basotho children are afforded a much greater degree of protection
under the new CPW Act. Administratively, the abolishment of the social welfare
directorate with the MOH and the establishment of the Ministry of Social Development
as a line Ministry has seen improved focus and budget allocation to children’s issues.
There is also an increase in the number of non-government actors involved in children’s
programming.
Despite efforts deployed by the State with its many partners, resulting in the progress
achieved so far, the situation of children remains a concern. Infant mortality rates, HIV
and Aids rates, orphanhood, sexual assault and labour exploitation of children are
issues which persist. Lesotho at least acknowledges the issues. Several measures such
as the NSPVC, Education Sector Strategic Plan and activities linked to the Millennium
Development Goals, are planned to improve the protection of children’s rights and
freedoms into the future.