Lephema Presents Lesotho’s Refugee Progress at GFP in Geneva

Lesotho took part at the Global Refugee Progress (GFP) Review that was held in Geneva, Switzerland this week. 
This global event serves as a platform for governments to take stock of the progress made toward achieving the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), allowing participants to report on their progress in implementing outstanding pledges from the inaugural forum in of 2019 and pledges made in 2023.
Lebona Lephema, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, at the forum reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to playing its part to contribute to a future where every displaced person is protected and contribute meaningfully to the county’s development.
He said the country was on track to domesticate the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention), with the government amending its legal framework on refugee protection to align with international standards and ensure better access to protection for displaced persons. 
The government of Lesotho is reported to have conducted a comprehensive study on statelessness within the country to inform future policy and is said to be finalising a bill that will grant nationality to these children.
Lete this year, it held discussions on one-stop border services and study permit waivers for Lesotho students in neighbouring South Africa to improve regional mobility. 
Lephema reaffirmed that despite limited resources, the country remains committed to finding durable solutions for refugees, including their integration into national development plans. 
The Progress Review of the GRF is a leading global gathering on refugee issues and provides a chance to take stock of progress on pledges made at previous forums, reflecting on challenges and gaps and renewing collective efforts under the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). 
The progress review focuses on expanding support for refugees and the countries that receive them, identifying and directing efforts towards areas in need of further support. 
This forum comes at a critical moment when global humanitarian funding is shrinking, the principle of asylum is being politicized and global solidarity with refugees is being tested.
Over 200 refugees and people with lived experience of displacement and statelessness participated in the forum, including 130 supported by the UNHCR.
Refugee leaders, as essential partners, co-designed sessions, identifying challenges and shaping solutions in areas such as education, livelihoods and protection.
Other participants at the event included high-level government officials, representatives from civil society, private sector organizations, other UN and development agencies and faith leaders. 
Despite the challenging global context, advances in refugee support and protection are happening in countries and communities worldwide. 
Since the adoption of the Global Compact on Refugees, data show that collective action and solidarity are effective, provided the required political will and financial resources are in place.