Lesotho Highlights Refugee Protection Efforts at UNHCR ExCom in Geneva

Yesterday, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Honourable Lebona Lephema, delivered a statement on behalf of the Kingdom of Lesotho at the 76th Session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme (ExCom) in Geneva, Switzerland. The ExCom meets annually to review and approve the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ programmes and budget. It provides a platform for member states to report on strategies to reduce statelessness and strengthen protection for refugees and forcibly displaced persons.

In his statement, Honourable Lephema highlighted Lesotho’s achievements during the current reporting period. These include the ongoing study on statelessness and efforts to amend the legal framework on refugee protection to align with international standards. He reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to supporting refugees and finding durable solutions despite limited resources.

Honourable Lephema called on the global community to work collaboratively to address statelessness and ensure continued funding for humanitarian programmes.

On the margins of the session, the Minister met with South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Honourable Njabulo Nzuza. Discussions focused on mutual interests, including the proposed migration model for Lesotho and South Africa and the renewal of the Lesotho Exception Permit, now valid until May 2027.

The Minister’s delegation included Lesotho’s Ambassador to Switzerland, His Excellency Mr. Tsiu Khatibe, Deputy Principal Secretary Mr. Nkhotha Machachamise, acting Commissioner of Refugees Mrs. Fumane Tholoana-Mareli, and First Secretary at the Embassy, Ms. Konesoang Bereng.

The participation of Lesotho at ExCom underscores the country’s commitment to refugee protection, international cooperation, and advancing solutions for displaced persons across the region.