Lesotho has taken a major step in improving justice for young victims of sexual violence with the handover of five refurbished child-friendly courts, part of the Citizen Voices Addressing Violence Against Children (CVAVAC) project. Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane has called on magistrates to impose stricter punishments on perpetrators, underscoring the need to protect children amid rising sexual offense cases, some involving infants as young as six months old.
These revamped courts, located in Maseru, Leribe, Berea, Thaba-Tseka, and Mohale’s Hoek, have been designed to provide a supportive environment for children. With features such as video conferencing systems, dedicated waiting areas, and play therapy tools, the courts aim to make the legal process less daunting for young victims. This child-sensitive infrastructure seeks to ease the process of collecting evidence, while minimizing the emotional strain on the children and their families.
Justice Sakoane stressed the seriousness of sexual offenses, particularly when involving children, and firmly rejected leniency for offenders. He noted that rape is a capital offense in Lesotho, although the death penalty has never been applied for such crimes. His remarks highlight the need for tougher penalties to address the gravity of these offenses.
The CVAVAC project, funded by the European Union and managed by World Vision, focuses on systemic reforms in the justice sector and empowering communities to protect children. By offering a more sensitive and supportive legal framework, these courts are expected to improve the prosecution of child-related cases while reducing the trauma faced by victims.
Representatives from UNICEF and the European Union praised the project as a significant milestone in protecting children’s rights in Lesotho. They emphasized the importance of providing a justice system that prioritizes the welfare of minors, with the new courts seen as a model for future reforms in the country.
Also speaking at the ceremony, World Vision National Director James Chifwelu expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the European Union and UNICEF for their contributions to the newly inaugurated child-friendly courts in Lesotho. He emphasized that this initiative is a significant milestone in advancing children’s rights and protection. The primary objective, according to Chifwelu, is to provide a safe, non-traumatizing legal environment where children’s rights are upheld. While acknowledging that the country faces numerous challenges, he expressed hope that this project could inspire further efforts in other regions where such interventions are equally needed.
“For us, this moment signifies a great achievement for the children of Lesotho. It is a milestone in the efforts to uphold the rights of every child.
“Through these child-friendly courts, we want to afford an opportunity for children to have their rights upheld without them being further traumatised. This brings to the fore the importance of this project.
“We know there are many needs across the country. This is just one effort that has been made, and it means more can and should be done in other locations where it is needed.”
EU Ambassador to Lesotho, Paola Amadei, highlighted that the significance of children’s courts lies in their capacity to offer a specialized legal framework dedicated to safeguarding the protection, welfare, and rights of children.
“Today’s event and the renovation of these courts stand as a model of collaboration among stakeholders—an example we should replicate across other areas of governance and justice.
“The goal of this program is to empower communities to advocate meaningful improvements in the justice sector, with a particular focus on child rights protection and the prevention of violence against children.
“These courts are now designed to handle cases involving minors in a manner that is sensitive to their unique needs, ensuring that their best interests are prioritized. Thanks to today’s renovation, they offer a more child-friendly environment, helping to mitigate trauma for young victims.
“Our support to the justice system is extensive, as the European Union has a deep commitment to promoting human rights and democratic governance,” said Ms Amadei.
