Lesotho Minister of Law and Justice Receives Petition to Protect Children from Abuse and Killings

In a significant development for child protection in Lesotho, the Honourable Minister of Law and Justice, Richard Ramoeletsi, has officially received a petition calling for stronger measures against the abuse and killing of children. The petition was submitted by a group of concerned mothers from the Leqele community, who say they are deeply alarmed by the rising cases of violence targeting minors.

The petition, delivered during a peaceful demonstration earlier today, outlines urgent demands for legal reforms to safeguard children from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as preventable deaths. Speaking to reporters after receiving the document, Minister Ramoeletsi acknowledged the seriousness of the petitioners’ concerns and praised the mothers for their advocacy.

“This petition is not just a letter—it represents the voice of our people, particularly our mothers, who are demanding accountability and action,” said Minister Ramoeletsi. “We intend to treat its contents as the basis for a potential draft law, one that will undergo proper legislative processes.”

The Minister further explained that before the proposed law can advance to Parliament, it must first be reviewed through a community court process. This is to ensure that it reflects the values and needs of the people it seeks to protect and is grounded in Lesotho’s legal framework.

Community Voices Drive Legislative Momentum

The petition from Leqele mothers marks a growing grassroots movement in Lesotho demanding justice and protection for vulnerable populations, particularly children. In recent years, community groups and civil society organisations have raised red flags over the apparent surge in domestic violence, child neglect, and fatal abuse cases.

“Our children are no longer safe—not at home, not in schools, and not in our communities,” said one of the petitioners, who asked to remain anonymous. “We are here because we cannot wait for more lives to be lost. The government must act now.”

The group is calling for harsher penalties for perpetrators of child abuse, better enforcement of existing child protection laws, and increased funding for shelters, counseling services, and public awareness campaigns.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

Minister Ramoeletsi affirmed that after the community court has examined the petition’s contents, recommendations will be made to the Ministry of Law and Justice. If found viable, a formal draft bill will then be tabled in Parliament for debate and voting.

Legal experts say this bottom-up approach—where community-driven petitions evolve into national legislation—is a positive sign of participatory governance in Lesotho.

“Transforming a petition into a bill is a significant step,” said a legal analyst familiar with the process. “It shows that the government is responsive to its citizens and willing to collaborate on meaningful reforms.”

A Call for Nationwide Support

The mothers from Leqele have called on other communities across Lesotho to join their cause by submitting similar petitions and supporting child protection initiatives. They believe nationwide pressure will compel swift legislative and policy action.

As the petition begins its journey through the legal system, it stands as a testament to the power of civic engagement and the determination of ordinary citizens to create safer environments for Lesotho’s children.