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 prevent GBV. According to the findings of the study, most prevalent forms of GBV are physical and emotional abuse which vary from low to moderate. 338. There are various laws enacted to end gender based violence which takes place in all spheres of life including the family, at work and in public. These include the section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act, Penal Code Act and Anti-trafficking in Persons Act which prohibit all forms of physical, psychological and sexual violence. 339. There is also Domestic Violence Bill 2018 which is intended to focus specifically on domestic violence. When enacted into law, the purpose of the Domestic Violence Act will be to provide for protection, prevention and criminalization of domestic violence as well as advocacy for rights of victims of domestic violence and related matters. It will cover different forms of abuse including physical, psychological, sexual and economic abuse perpetrated through various ways including but not limited to stalking and use of technology such as social media and telephones. Administrative measures 340. In order to mitigate the challenge of GBV in Lesotho, the Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation, with the financial support of UNFPA and Gender-Links and in partnership with various CSOs formulated the National Action Plan on Gender Based Violence 2008. The plan focuses on legislation and policy, socio-economic, cultural and political rights, public education and awareness, integrated approaches and budgetary allocations specifically aimed at reducing GBV and providing support to its victims. 341. The government of Lesotho has also mainstreamed gender into the police training curriculum and the Ministry of Gender frequently holds awareness raising campaigns against GBV. Violence against sexual minorities 125

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