LESOTHO GOVERNMENT AND RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS TO PRIORITIZE YOUTH AND MENTAL HEALTH AS CENTRAL PILLARS OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Several challenges faced by young people in Lesotho caused by the ailing economy, unemployment and unstable families have left them vulnerable to drug abuse, human trafficking, poor mental health, exploitation through cheap and child labour and various forms

of crime.

2026 World Population Day theme was “Realising the hopes and aspirations of young people-today and for the future”, some members of the public in Maseru have raised their views about the state of the young people in the country, some saying a lot has to be done for the

youth of this country in order to secure their future.

Miss. Agnes Khoromeng, a fruits and vegetables hawker stated that some of the youth in the country have given up on ever making it in

life. She indicated that getting entry into institutions of higher learning and sponsorship is becoming more difficult each day thus

discouraging those who seek to further their studies. She added that after obtaining degrees, if one is unemployed and wants to further

their education, sponsorships are often accessible to the well-connected and those from rich families.

She pointed out that some of the young people use the skills acquired in school to commit crimes such as fraud as there are no jobs.

She added that self-employment is no longer efficient as everyone is going into business.

A young man, Lillo Khomereng remarked that when the government is doing less to fulfill its promises and obligations to the young

people, there is no hope for the future of the country. He indicated that lack of equality when it comes to access to opportunities intended to empower young people remains a challenge in Lesotho.

He said there is no transparency and fairness regarding sharing of information on opportunities such as business fundings and scholarships. He added that nepotism and political connections continue to pollute access to employment for young people.

Miss. ‘Mats’otetsi Lebaka stated that broken families, unequal access to health services, education and employment have left young people

exposed to poor decision-making reflected through child marriages, teenage pregnancies leaving young girls as single parents, drug abuse,

abortions and violent crimes. She added that young people are forced to seek jobs in cities and neighbouring countries where some fall

victims of being sex slaves and workers in the illegal mines.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Demographic Futures Survey has revealed that while many young people aspire to have families and stable futures, they continue to face challenges such as economic insecurity, limited opportunities and unequal access to essential

services.

In his message on the World Population Day, Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr. Antonio Guterres stated that young people are

‘inheriting a world rocked by conflict, inequality, climate chaos and new technologies’.

“They are rising to the challenge with fresh perspectives and fearless leadership. Their energy and insights, coupled with the wisdom and

experience of older generations, can help unlock the solutions we

need”, he added.

He further added that they are stepping up as leaders, innovators, activists and more to tackle shared challenges. He said their determination must be matched with ‘greater investments in education, sexual and reproductive health, decent work and real participation in

decision-making’.

The UN Secretary-General pointed out that young people deserve the freedom, opportunity and support to shape their own lives and

contribute meaningfully to their communities. He emphasized that they have the right to make informed choices about their bodies, lives and

futures, as affirmed by the World Programme of Action for Youth and the International Conference on Population and Development Programme

of Action.

In Lesotho, World Population Day commemoration was held in Mohale’s Hoek and it placed young people and maternal health at

the center of national development. In her remarks, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning Dr. Retsélisitsoe Matlanyane

indicated that realising aspirations of young people is a joint responsibility between the government, development partners, NGOs,

chiefs, traditional leaders, parents and youth. She encouraged parents ‘to have meaningful discussions with adolescent girls regarding Sexual

and Reproductive Health Services ( SRHS).

As part of the commemoration, UNFPA Lesotho handed over calibrated drapes to Ntsékhe Hospital with the aim to improve maternal and newborn healthcare in Lesotho. The initiative is a contribution towards equipping healthcare workers with ‘ an essential tool for

early detection and management of postpartum hemorrhage’, thus improving quality of maternal care as well as saving lives.