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9.8.4 Children from a minority group (Article 26)
Legislative
The Constitution of Lesotho and all legislation guarantees the same rights on all
children. Lesotho is a homogenous community and largely avoided the affects of
apartheid.
Difficulties
Some small minority groups exists in Quithing and Qachas Nek. They do not consider
themselves Basotho but are native to the land on which they live, inside of Lesotho's
borders. They protest their children being taught in Sesotho and English at school and
want to be taught in own language (Xhosa). They say that they cannot access services
because they don’t speak to Sesotho. Most do however have some understanding of
the language.
Albinism is highly prevalent in Lesotho. Children with this genetic disorder, while not
killed like in some other African countries, are discriminated against. Culturally people
believe that these children are cursed and consequently often treat them poorly.
Children who identify as gay and lesbian may also be discriminated against. The nongovernment organization known as Master Healing Foundation does some advocacy
work for adults and children in the gay and lesbian community.