UNICEF supports reintegration and family reunification of children from Lesotho’s Juvenile Training Centre

Maseru, 12 November 2025 – UNICEF Lesotho, in collaboration with the Government of Lesotho, is supporting the reintegration and family reunification of 61 children (54 boys and 7 girls) from the Juvenile Training Centre (JTC) in Maseru. This initiative aims to give young people a second chance at life by ensuring they return to safe, nurturing family and community environments.

Established in 1972, the JTC is the country’s only facility for children in conflict with the law, serving all ten districts. While the Centre focuses on education, rehabilitation, and skills development, reintegration into family and community life remains essential to breaking cycles of vulnerability and preventing reoffending.

Through UNICEF’s financial support under the 2025 Annual Work Plan with the Government of Lesotho, probation officers, social workers, families, and community leaders are working together to conduct home assessments, support victim-offender mediation, and prepare families to welcome back their children. This process is aligned with the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act of 2011, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which all emphasize that children should grow up in a family environment and that institutionalization should be the last resort.

“Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a loving family and supportive community,” said Deepak Bhaskaran, UNICEF Lesotho Representative. “This initiative ensures that children are not defined by their mistakes but are given the tools, care, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.”

The reentry process, which ran from 22 August to 31 October 2025, involved individualized rehabilitation plans tailored to each child’s needs. Children were placed with parents, guardians, or relatives in safe environments designed to prevent a return to the conditions that initially contributed to their conflict with the law. Full reintegration is expected by February 2026.

From the perspective of the Juvenile Training Centre, reintegration is not just about sending children home. It also involves preparing both the children and their communities, engaging victims in dialogue and forgiveness, and equipping families with the skills to provide the care and support the children need to thrive.

“Reintegration is about more than release; it is about healing and restoration,” said Senior Rehabilitation Officer at JTC. “When families and communities welcome these children with open arms, it reduces reoffending, promotes safety, and strengthens social bonds for everyone.”

Despite the Centre’s successes, challenges remain, including limited resources, inadequate transport for home assessments, and community stigma towards reintegrated children. UNICEF’s support is addressing some of these gaps by funding transportation, capacity building, and community engagement initiatives.

“We are grateful for UNICEF’s support, which allows us to reunite children with their families and ensure they continue to access health, education, and social services,” added the Commissioner of Lesotho Correctional Service. “This does not only reduce overcrowding at JTC but gives children the love and care they need to thrive.”

UNICEF Lesotho calls on communities, local authorities, civil society organizations, and faith leaders to support the reintegration process. By embracing these children and offering them guidance, we can help them grow into responsible, productive citizens and break the cycle of vulnerability.