Maseru, Lesotho– Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, arrived in Lesotho today. Her visit coincides with the 43rd Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), taking place in Maseru from April 15th to 25th.
Dr. M’jid met with Lesotho’s Foreign Minister, Hon. Lejone Mpotjoana, to discuss the critical issue of violence against children and youth in the country. Studies have shown that Lesotho’s children face threats of violence in various settings, including their homes, communities, and even schools.
Lesotho has taken steps to address this challenge by enacting the Child Protection and Welfare Act of 2011. This legislation aligns with both the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of a Child.