Child protection
Enhancing systems and services to protect children from violence, exploitation, and abuse
Challenge
Significant strides have been made in strengthening child protection frameworks in Lesotho. Yet too many children remain at risk. Girls and boys experience unacceptable high rates of sexual and physical violence in their homes, schools and communities, with more than half of boys and almost one in three girls experiencing physical violence. Girls who experience sexual violence are not getting the support and services they need – with only 11 per cent of survivors of sexual violence seeking services and only 8 per cent receiving support. Child labour affects almost one in four children, with many exposed to hazardous conditions that jeopardize their education, safety, and development.
Despite the enactment of key laws and Lesotho’s commitment to global treaties, implementation remains weak. The Child Protection and Welfare Bill 2022 is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of children in Lesotho. However, despite its importance, the process of amending this bill has been significantly delayed. These delays have had adverse effects on the protection and welfare of children who remain vulnerable to various forms of abuse and neglect. Children with disabilities and those from marginalized communities face even greater barriers, lacking access to the protection and services they urgently need. The lives, rights, and futures of thousands of children are at risk.
Solution
UNICEF’s approach to child protection in Lesotho focuses on strengthening national systems and building institutional capacity to prevent and respond to violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect. This includes evidence-based advocacy to mobilize equitable investments in children and strategic support to policy reform, data systems, financing, and workforce development. Strengthening the enabling environment for child protection is essential to expand access to quality, sustainable services that safeguard every child.
UNICEF works with the Government of Lesotho and key partners to enhance multisectoral coordination, improve case management systems, and establish child-friendly reporting and referral mechanisms. Special focus is placed on schools as strategic entry points for protection—transforming them into safe, inclusive spaces through teacher training, adolescent life skills, and school-based protection interventions. In the most vulnerable communities, UNICEF supports child and adolescent-led initiatives to promote positive norms and demand accountability.
During emergencies, UNICEF ensures continuity of critical protection services, including mental health and psychosocial support, while building long-term resilience. Targeted support for children with disabilities and those from marginalized backgrounds is at the core of all interventions.
UNICEF continues to collaborate with civil society, the private sector, and development partners to drive collective action—amplifying impact, challenging harmful social norms, and ensuring that every child in Lesotho grows up safe, protected, and empowered.