Constitution of Lesotho 1993, as amended to 2020
National Human Rights Bodies
  • English
    There is established a Human Rights Commission (in this Chapter6 referred to as “the Commission”) which shall be independent and free from interference and subject only to this Constitution and any other law. (Sec. 133A)
National Human Rights Bodies
  • English
    The Commission shall perform the following functions –
    a. monitor the state of human rights throughout Lesotho;
    b. monitor the human rights situation of detainees;
    c. investigate violations of human rights and, if necessary, be responsible for instituting proceedings against such violation in the courts of law;
    d. sensitise the public on its work, the nature and meaning of human rights;
    e. develop and deliver education and training programmes as necessary to the general public;
    f. submit opinions, recommendations, propositions and reports to public institutions on human rights issues, using the media and other means;
    g. advocate for ratification, and recommend the domestication of international and regional human rights instruments;
    h. promote and monitor the harmonisation of national laws and practices with international and regional human rights instruments ratified by Lesotho;
    i. develop and maintain working relations with organisations and representatives of civil society in Lesotho;
    j. work in cooperation with the United Nations, regional mechanisms, national human rights institutions of other countries, in the areas of the promotion and protection of human rights, and
    k. undertake any other activities or responsibilities that are consistent with the spirit of the promotion and protection of human rights. (Sec. 133F)
National Human Rights Bodies
  • English
    The Commission shall perform the following functions –
    a. monitor the state of human rights throughout Lesotho;
    b. monitor the human rights situation of detainees;
    c. investigate violations of human rights and, if necessary, be responsible for instituting proceedings against such violation in the courts of law;
    d. sensitise the public on its work, the nature and meaning of human rights;
    e. develop and deliver education and training programmes as necessary to the general public;
    f. submit opinions, recommendations, propositions and reports to public institutions on human rights issues, using the media and other means;
    g. advocate for ratification, and recommend the domestication of international and regional human rights instruments;
    h. promote and monitor the harmonisation of national laws and practices with international and regional human rights instruments ratified by Lesotho;
    i. develop and maintain working relations with organisations and representatives of civil society in Lesotho;
    j. work in cooperation with the United Nations, regional mechanisms, national human rights institutions of other countries, in the areas of the promotion and protection of human rights, and
    k. undertake any other activities or responsibilities that are consistent with the spirit of the promotion and protection of human rights. (Sec. 133F)
Links to all sites last visited 31 March 2021
2
Chapter IV on Citizenship.
3
Chapter II on Protection of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms.
4
Chapter II on Protection of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms.
5
Chapter II on Protection of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms.
6
Chapter XIA on Human Rights Commission.
7
Chapter II on Protection of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms.