Lesotho Launches Second Edition of Comprehensive Law Index Covering 1800–2024

The Minister of Law and Justice, Honourable Richard Ramoeletsi, officially launched the second edition of the Index of Lesotho Laws from 1800–2024 on 4th July 2025. This historic milestone, led by the Lesotho Law Reform Commission, marks a major step forward in the accessibility, transparency, and modernization of the country’s legal system.

The newly released index is available in both digital and printed formats and expands significantly on the first edition published in 2020, which covered the years 1800 to 2018. This second edition extends the legal record to include developments up to the year 2024, offering a more complete picture of Lesotho’s evolving legislative landscape.

The index is organised into four key sections for ease of reference: Alphabetical, Chronological, Subject, and Historical. This structure is designed to serve a wide range of users, from legal practitioners and scholars to public officials and ordinary citizens seeking clarity on the country’s legal framework.

Funded by the European Union under the Support for the Reform and Strengthening of Governance Program in Lesotho, the project is part of broader efforts to improve justice delivery and promote good governance. Minister Ramoeletsi hailed the launch as a “giant step” in the pursuit of legal transparency and reform.

“This index is more than a reference tool. It is a vital instrument for strengthening the rule of law, promoting accountability, and ensuring that justice is accessible to all,” said Minister Ramoeletsi during the launch event.

The digital version of the index is expected to make legal information more widely available, especially in remote areas where printed copies may be scarce. This aligns with national and global priorities on digital governance and open access to legal resources.

By providing a structured and comprehensive listing of Lesotho’s legislation over more than two centuries, the index supports not only legal research and judicial processes but also informed policy-making and civic education. It is a significant resource that underpins the country’s commitment to reform and strengthens the foundations for a more just and democratic society.