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 Challenges 417. The changing economic and financial climate has had a serious impact on Lesotho, making it difficult for the State to avail the necessary resources even to its citizens. In addition, the prevailing economic situation has potential to fuel xenophobic attitudes in the population, which once used to be more receptive, because of the increase in competition for scarce resources and lack of employment opportunities for the larger population. In order to quell this, the government promotes local integration for refugees as a policy to the highest possible effect, despite the challenges of the economic crisis and also promotes the spirit of tolerance amongst Basotho. ARTICLE 12: THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION AND TRAINING Constitutional measures 418. The right to education and training are contained in section 28 of the Constitution which provides that Lesotho shall endeavour to make education available to all and shall adopt policies aimed at education is directed to full development of the human personality, that primary education is compulsory and available to all, that secondary and tertiary education is made accessible and progressively made free. 419. Although the Constitution does not specifically mention education of women and girls, provision of such on the basis of equality can be inferred from section 26 of the Constitution which mandates the government to adopt policies aimed at promoting a society based on equality and justice for all its citizens regardless of sex. Legislative measures 420. Legislative measures put in place for education include the Education Act 2010 and Higher Education Act 2004 which are discussed in detail under article 17 in part A of this report. 145