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
51. However, the challenge is that some schools still administer corporal punishment and
because this type of punishment is still used in the homes, many parents do not report
teachers who administer this form of punishment on their children.
Progress made and proposed measures to end torture in Lesotho
52. The Kingdom of Lesotho is committed to eradication of torture in Lesotho. To this end, it
has ratified the UN Convention against Torture (CAT) 1984 and is committed to
implementing its provisions including the obligation to enact an anti-torture law which is
complaint with CAT, article 5 of the African Charter as well the African Commission’s
Robben Island Guidelines adopted in terms of the African Commission Resolution on
Guidelines and Measures for the Prohibition and Prevention of Torture, Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in Africa (Robben Island
Guidelines) 2002.
53. In collaboration with development partners and civil society organisations the government
of Lesotho has and continues to hold human rights trainings for all members of the Law
Enforcement Agencies. The trainings are meant to sensitise the law enforcement officers
that torture is a crime and a human rights violation which should not be used as an
interrogation tool. Human rights is also included in the curriculum of the Police Training
College (PTC) as well as the other law enforcement agencies.
ARTICLE 6: RIGHT TO LIBERTY AND SECURITY OF PERSON
Constitutional measures
54. Section 6 of the Constitution of Lesotho entrenches the right to liberty by providing that
every person shall be entitled to personal liberty, that is to say he shall not be arrested or
detained save as may be authorised by law.
55. The right to liberty may however be derogated from in the following circumstances:
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