A/HRC/15/60
that should be adopted to avoid instances of torture and inhuman and degrading treatment
of suspects of crime.
391. Concerning the removal of the reservation to article 2 of the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Government had initiated a
discussion, still ongoing, on the issue. Despite the existing reservation, Lesotho had taken
measures to ensure the elimination of discrimination against women and gender equality by
reviewing all laws that were discriminatory against women. Lesotho had enacted laws in
this regard, such as the Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act of 2006, which ruled out
discrimination against women in marriage, and the Sexual Offences Act of 2003, which
addressed the offence of rape under common law.
392. Regarding the recommendation to implement and amend the Sexual Offences Act of
2003 to ensure the full accountability of offenders, compliance with human rights standards
and efficient integration of programmes for victims, the delegation stated that Lesotho
would not amend the Act for the reason that there was no law in Lesotho that barred a
victim from lodging a civil claim against the offender. However, the Government had
established a one-stop centre, the Lapeng Centre, for survivors of domestic violence, and
the Victims of Crime Support Office. Studies on the protection of victims’ rights were
being undertaken by the law reform commission to inform the enactment of the laws on
protection of victims and domestic violence.
393. The Children’s Protection and Welfare Bill, which was before Parliament, provided
restorative justice to facilitate reconciliation between offender and victim; intensive
advocacy programmes were being carried out by parliamentarians and other stakeholders
for the implementation of the Bill.
394. The Government of Lesotho welcomed the recommendation to enhance cooperation
with treaty bodies and special procedures mandate holders. It would, however, consider it
further once the implementation of the recommendations made during the African Peer
Review Mechanism process of 2009 was completed. Lesotho also welcomed the
recommendation to ensure timely submission of State party reports and drew attention to
the efforts made to fulfil its reporting obligation. The report for the Committee on the
Elimination of Discrimination against Women had been submitted, while Lesotho was still
working on the reports on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights, the Convention against Torture and the periodic report on the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The delay had resulted from the limited resources
of the country, which would welcome technical assistance and capacity-building in that
regard.
395. The recommendation to end the practice of using the juvenile training centre as a
form of alternative care did not enjoy the support of Lesotho, since it was factually
incorrect. The centre was used exclusively for detaining children in conflict with the law
and were at risk of offending.
396. Despite challenges it faced, as described in the national report and during the review,
Lesotho reiterated its commitment to accelerate sustainable economic growth, to continue
to work on the establishment of a national human rights commission, to improve access to
justice for all, to intensify and continue efforts in the fight against corruption, and to strive
to achieve the objectives of Vision 2020 and the Millennium Development Goals.
397. Lesotho appreciated the opportunity to take stock of its achievements, shortcomings
and challenges. It welcomed the technical support offered by some Member States in
response to its calls for assistance.
GE.11-17043
141
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