Lesotho Celebrates International Identity Day Highlighting Legal Identity as a Fundamental Right

The Ministry of Education and Training joined the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police in commemorating International Identity Day, emphasizing that a legal identity is essential for accessing services, exercising rights, and full participation in society. The 2025 celebration adopted the theme “My Identity, My Umbrella.”

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Local Government, Honourable Mputi Stephen Mputi highlighted significant progress in Lesotho’s identity registration. Between 2019 and 2023, the national birth registration rate rose from 21% to 61%. Over 81% of children under five are now registered, while 90% of citizens aged 16 and above hold a national ID card. These milestones position Lesotho to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which aims for legal identity for all by 2030.

Honourable Mputi stressed that legal identity is transforming government services. It enables efficient delivery of pensions and social benefits and promotes financial inclusion by allowing citizens to open bank accounts, access credit, and use mobile money services.

Dr Makhube Ralenkoane, representing the Minister of Education and Training, highlighted education’s role in shaping identity and citizenship from early schooling. Learners are taught self-awareness, a sense of belonging, and responsibility. The national curriculum extends identity beyond documentation to instill values of self-esteem, collaboration, and patriotism.

Dr Ralenkoane acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly for vulnerable learners affected by migration or loss of documents. He called for collective action to strengthen documentation systems, increase public awareness, and empower marginalized groups.

“Legal identity is not just a document—it is our unity and key to opportunity. Together, we can secure a future where every Mosotho thrives. My Identity, My Umbrella!” he said.

Lesotho’s progress in legal identity underscores the country’s commitment to inclusive development and the empowerment of all citizens through both documentation and education.