The Child Protection and Welfare Act of Lesotho was enacted in 2011. This act aims to protect the rights and well-being of children in Lesotho by providing a legal framework for the prevention and response to child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other forms of violence. The act outlines the responsibilities of the government, parents, caregivers, and other stakeholders in ensuring the protection and welfare of children. It also establishes mechanisms for reporting and investigating cases of child abuse and provides for the rehabilitation and support of child victims.
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Google Gemini AI
more than 3 weeks ago
Lesotho's Child Protection Act (2011)
Key Provisions:
1. Definition of a Child:
- A person under the age of 18 years.
2. Objects of the Act:
- To protect children from all forms of physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse. - To provide a framework for child protection systems. - To promote and protect children's rights.
3. Child Abuse:
- Defines specific forms of abuse, including: - Physical abuse - Sexual abuse - Emotional abuse - Neglect - Child trafficking
4. Mandatory Reporting:
- Requires certain professionals, such as teachers, healthcare providers, and social workers, to report suspected or known cases of child abuse.
5. Investigation and Protection:
- Establishes procedures for investigating reports of child abuse. - Empowers social workers and police officers to take protective measures, such as removing a child from an abusive environment.
6. Child Protection Court:
- Creates a specialized court to handle cases of child abuse.
7. Sentencing:
- Prescribes penalties for those convicted of child abuse, including imprisonment and fines.
8. Child Protection Services:
- Mandates the provision of various child protection services, such as: - Childcare centers - Foster care - Counseling and support for children and families
9. Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Establishes the Child Protection Authority to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Act.
10. Public Awareness:
- Requires the government to raise public awareness about child protection issues.
Additional Key Features:
- Recognizes the rights of children to participate in their protection. - Emphasizes the importance of a child-centered approach. - Provides for the establishment of a Child Protection Fund to support child protection services. - Sets out penalties for failure to report child abuse.