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
209. Women and children are also protected through the Deserted Wives and Children
(Amendment) Order (1971) 51 which prevents destitution by requiring husbands to
provide maintenance to family members.
210. Special protection of children is contained in the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act
of 2011 (CPWA) which provides for registration of all children including adopted children.
It also provides for a child’s right to the property of his or her parents.
211. The CPWA also addresses issues such as trafficking and abduction of children; children
in contact and conflict with the law and restorative justice measures; legal representation
and sentencing; establishment of children’s courts and the employment of children.
212. The Labour Code Order (1992), Anti- Trafficking in Persons Act (2011), Education
Act (2010) and Sexual Offences Act 2003 also address specific aspects of child labour,
trafficking and sexual exploitation of children, sexual offences against children and free
and compulsory primary education. These laws are aimed at protection of children as
members of their respective families.
213. The following laws cater for protection of people with disabilities:
Section 30 of the National Assembly Electoral Amendment Act 2011 which requires
that persons with disabilities be taken into account in political platforms and electoral
processes (elections, rallies).
Section 6 of Children’s Protection and Welfare Act of 2011 also specifically provides
that children with disabilities shall not be discriminated against and section 13
specifically provides that children with disabilities have the rights to dignity and the
right to education.
51
ORDER No 29 of 1971
86