THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO COMBINED SECOND TO EIGHTH PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS AND INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA ARTICLE 14: HEALTH AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS Health and reproductive rights Access to health services - article 14 (2)(a) Constitutional measures 433. The Constitution of Lesotho recognises the right to health as a directive principle of state policy under Chapter III of the Constitution. Section 27(1) (e) of the Constitution provides that the Government shall adopt policies aimed at ensuring the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health for its citizens, including policies designed to improve public health. 434. The provision of heath care services is premised on the principle of non-discrimination as safeguarded by section 18 of the Constitution. The section prohibits differential treatment on the basis on the sex. Legislative measures 435. Section 4 of the Environment Act 2008 guarantees the right to a healthy and clean environment. It proscribes any conduct that causes harm to human health. The section provides a remedy to anybody whose health is endangered by such conduct. 436. Section 232(1) and (2) of the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act 2011 gives a child the right to consent to medical treatment if the child is 12 years of age or of sufficient maturity and mental capacity to understand the implications of the treatment or operation. Section 234 guarantees access to medical and health services. It states that a child should be provided with emergency health and medical assistance, including reproductive health information in cases where a child has been abused and exploited. Administrative measures 150