Torture and other ill-treatment

There were multiple allegations of torture and other ill-treatment of detainees, particularly against the Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS). At least 300 detainees at Maseru Correctional Centre Institution were subjected to such treatment by LCS correctional officers, according to the Office of the Ombudsperson’s findings, released in March. The government established an inquiry into the claims, but no further information on its progress was available at the end of the year.

Freedom of expression

The Computer Crimes and Cyber Security Bill 2024, which included provisions that criminalize and carry harsh fines for certain online expression, remained pending before the National Assembly. The bill raised fears among the media that it could allow for increased government surveillance and intimidation.

The killing in May 2023 of outspoken journalist Ralikonelo Joki by unidentified gunmen led many journalists to self-censor. In April 2024, Lesotho Tribune newspaper journalists were repeatedly threatened and harassed by unidentified individuals in an apparent attempt to stifle their views and discourage their investigative journalism. Other media workers faced similar treatment.

Right to a fair trial

Judges and lawyers were increasingly subjected to intimidation, including threats and other forms of pressure, particularly by the military and other state actors. Reports indicated that harassment was used to influence judicial outcomes that were favourable to the government’s or military’s interests.

Gender-based violence

According to the Millennium Challenge Corporation, more than 86% of women and girls experienced gender-based violence in their lifetime. However, many survivors did not report incidents for fear of social retribution or from a sense of futility. Legislation contained provisions to protect against such violence, but enforcement was weak and authorities often failed to hold perpetrators accountable. Survivors faced considerable obstacles in accessing justice, including prolonged legal proceedings and insufficient support services.

Discrimination

In April, after visiting Lesotho, the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism stated that this minority experienced discrimination, including lack of access to healthcare and education.

Economic, social and cultural rights

According to the World Bank’s Macro Poverty Outlook report, nearly 50% of the population lived below the poverty line. This rose to 61% in rural areas. The Polihali Dam construction project in the Mokhotlong district (see below) led to the diversion of local communities’ water supplies, primarily to South Africa. This drove local communities into increasingly high levels of poverty and undermined their right to livelihoods.

According to UNICEF, educational infrastructure was under-resourced. For example, only 93 of more than 1,700 mapped schools had an internet connection.

Right to a healthy environment

The Polihali Dam project caused significant environmental disruption and harmed ecosystems. In July the Seinoli Legal Centre raised concerns about the lack of will from the government to implement the project in a way that would ensure affected communities received fair compensation and that their socio-economic rights were respected.