Social Development Minister Molahlehi Letlotlo
Limpho Sello
SOCIAL Development Minister Molahlehi Letlotlo says government will intensify investigations and compile information on crimes against children as part of strategies aimed at preventing child abuse.
Mr Letlotlo said this at a recent press conference in Maseru held in the aftermath of his recent trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he attended the 7th International Conference on the African Child on the 7th and 8th of November.
The conference was also attended by African heads of state, non-governmental organisations, religious and traditional leaders, chairs and members of the United Nations and African committees on the rights of children as well as the academia.
It covered various issues of violence and discrimination against children including those with disabilities, albinism and victims of religious and superstitious beliefs in demon possession and witchcraft.
Mr Letlotlo said the conference shared ideas and strategies on fighting child abuse and violence which often targeted girl children.
He said the conference came at the right time when government through his ministry was conducting nationwide campaigns on ending child marriages and preventing other forms of abuse.
“We are going to conduct investigations and compile data on crimes and child abuse in Lesotho,” Mr Letlotlo said, adding, “We are also going to conduct investigations to find out whether our campaigns have made positive impact on Basotho in the villages that we have covered”.
“We also have to find partners to collaborate with us in conveying messages on the impact of abuse and violence against children and what could be done to stop the practices,” he added.
Mr Letlotlo said they met to share ideas and experiences on violence against children as well as to broaden campaigns on ending child marriages on the continent.
“Most of these crimes and abuses practised on children happen in secret places and they are not reported,” Mr Letlotlo said.
