Petition

 

To: The Government of Lesotho

 

Ministry of Gender

 

For: Enactment of the Domestic Violence Bill, 2000

 

 

 

Lesotho has a Domestic Violence Bill since 2000 and this needs to become law if domestic violence is going to be dealt with decisively. Enactment of the Domestic Violence bill is urgent because research indicates that child sexual abuse is rife. Apart from a violation of their right to protection, such abuse is increasing children's risk to HIV and AIDS, of early pregnancy and forcing them to drop out of school.

 

Domestic violence does not exist as a separate crime and is charged and prosecuted as the common law offences of assault, intimidation, etc. The Law Reform Commission is in the process of drafting legislation on domestic violence, but this has already been some years in the process and no draft is yet available for comment. The Gender Department initially concentrated its advocacy around the 16 Days of Activism. It has since broadened its focus to looking at gender-based violence 365 days a year

 

 

 

By delaying the passing and implementation of the Domestic Violence Bill, Lesotho is contradicting its own commitments including the following:  2009 AU Gender Policy, 2008 SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, 1997 SADC Declaration on Gender and Development, 1995, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

 

We demand that the minister commit to getting the Domestic violence bill passed as soon as possible. 14 years is too long for women and children to be unprotected under the law.

 

Please support the women and children of Lesotho by signing this petition

 

Signed: