THE GOVERNMENT OF LESOTHO REMAINS COMMITTED TO IMPLEMENTING UN RECOMMENDATIONS AIMED AT PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.

He indicated that the meeting will convene government officials, organizations of Persons with Disabilities, the Justice sector and Parliament with the objective to chart a path forward for the implementation of Lesotho’s commitments in terms of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and ensuring Lesotho’s accession to the Optional Protocol to the CRPD (OP-CRPD) and Africa Disability Protocol.

He said Lesotho acceded to CRPD in 2008, placing binding obligations on the authorities to provide all rights to PWDs on an equal basis, saying the enactment of Disability Equity Act in 2021, which established the Lesotho Person’s with Disability Advisory Council (PWDAC) to monitor and evaluate issues concerning disability in Lesotho amongst others, signifies the country’s commitment to protect rights of PWDs and promote their accessibility to services.

He also highlighted that the United Nations Committee on CRPD issued the recommendations to Lesotho in 2026, pertaining to its compliance with its obligations in terms of the CRPD, saying such recommendations included provision of adequate human, technical and financial resources to and strengthen the capacity of the Disability Advisory Council, for implementation of the Convention.

He therefore indicated that amongst other issues to be discussed during the meeting include, challenges in the implementation of rights of PWDs in Lesotho, the importance of rectifying the OP-CRPD as well as the role of Judiciary in enhancing access to justice for PWDs.

LNFOD was established in 1989 with the objective to advocate for rights and inclusion of PWDs. It plays a key role in influencing disability inclusive policies as well as raising awareness on disability issues nationwide.

Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]