On Thursday, the Minister of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, Mr. Pitso Lesaoana, presented the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2023 before the Senate Legislation Committee. The bill aims to enhance the protection and welfare of children in Lesotho by addressing critical issues such as adoption and child marriage.
Minister Lesaoana explained that one of the primary objectives of the bill is to domesticate both international and domestic adoption procedures, ensuring that they align with global best practices while addressing local needs. He emphasized that the bill will provide a legal framework for agencies involved in adoption processes, allowing them to operate within a regulated system. This will involve the issuance of licenses to agencies facilitating adoptions, ensuring greater oversight and accountability.
Additionally, the bill seeks to tackle the issue of child marriage, aiming to eradicate this harmful practice and protect vulnerable children from being forced into early marriages. The bill outlines stringent measures to ensure that child marriage is combated effectively and that children’s rights are safeguarded.
Minister Lesaoana further highlighted that the bill is part of Lesotho’s broader efforts to improve child welfare and uphold the rights of children as outlined in both national and international legal frameworks. The presentation was well received by members of the Senate Legislation Committee, who expressed support for the bill’s provisions.
The Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2023 is now set to undergo further deliberations before being potentially passed into law, marking a significant step towards improving the welfare of children in Lesotho.
