Maseru- A training session aimed at educating Members of Parliament (MP’s) on human rights and country reporting under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) and Commonwealth Secretariat sparked criticism among MP’s on Tuesday at Lancer Inn hotel.
Trio, MP’s namely Lekhetho Rakuoane, Rethabile Letlailane, Montoeli Masoetsa expressed that the training offered no real benefit, according to the trio the time spent on the training which was scheduled to last three days but ended after just one, could have been better utilized in focussing more on pressing issues such as the army brutality against citizens.
They also argued that existing laws should be enforced instead of conducting further seemingly unproductivity training sessions over and over. Delivering his speech , Minister of Justice and Law Richard Ramoeletsi stated that the workshop was intended to remind lawmakers of their responsibilities, he emphasized that MP’s play a crucial role in serving citizens, particularly in the promotion and protection of human rights.
He further highlighted the importance of Parliamentarians in monitoring human rights reporting as well as the ratification and domestication of international treaties.
He mentioned that Lesotho is a State Party to major international human right instrument which include, “Civil and Political Rights” the covenant on Economic Social Cultural Rights, Convention Against Torture (CAT) and Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
He indicates that the treaties promote respect for inherent human dignity, non discrimination, equality, fairness, liberty and the right to life regardless of the person’s race , language, religion, social or political status while remaining subject to the constitution and other national laws .
Additionally the 1993 constitution of Lesotho, in it’s chapter II guarantees the respect and promotion and protection of this rights and also the Vienna Declaration and Programmes of Action also affirm that human rights whether civil, political, economic or social are universal and indivisible and also state that states have a duty to respect and fulfill human rights within their own political, economic and cultural systems.
However, there are some challenges the country face which includes lack of specialized person body to report , constraints in decline in Agriculture Production as a result of deteriorating rangelands, Lesotho has also been vulnerable to global finance crisis, high HIV prevalence rate, Covid-19 of which all require urgent attention when it comes to promotion and protection of human rights.
“ Parliamentarians are essential actors to oversee the whole legislative process , adopting the budget, cover the entire range of political , civil, economic, social and cultural rights and thus they have immediate and direct impact on the enjoyment of human rights by people,” he stressed
He urged Parliamentarians to be always cognizant of their role at all times at the country’s social harmony, peace steadylargely depend on the extend on which human rights underpin all parliamentary activities.
The MP’s also expressed their concerns where Montoeli Masoetsa, All Basotho Convention (ABC) and also member of Parliament expressed his opinion that Members of Parliament do not need additional sensitization on human rights because the constitution already outlines this rights.
Additionally, he criticized the failure to address or suppress issues involving the army and possibly other sectors. Sharing almost similar sentiments Rethabile Letlailane of Democratic Congress candidate for Lithoteng said the army instill fear to the community.
He voiced concerns about the growing influence of the army in communities, stating politicians should retire after their terms to avoid falling victim to military power adding that politicians and other men are increasingly acquiring guns forming gangs and inciting violence in neighborhoods.
Letlailane criticized the army’s recent actions, accusing them of acting like terrorist with reports of detentions and torture on the rise.
He further raised an issue that families of those killed and tortured by military receive no government support and also the government does not support Members of Parliament to show some remorse and support to such families rather take their own money to travel there.
He called for strict measures against perpetrators, also noting that some Members of Parliament seem to tolerate this behaviour, making it more urgent and nessessary to address the issue.
Letsekang Moloi, a Member of Parliament under the Democratic Congress (DC)for the Lebakeng Constituency also raised concern on methods used by Police in detaining and torturing people to extract information.
He said this, is abuse of human rights adding there is a need for law enforcement to operate within legal entities also criticized this approach , implying that Police are focussing on coercive tactics rather than following due process to gather information. It’s highly notable that Moloi before venturing into politics has a background as a Police Officer therefore his experience gives very insight to law enforcement.
The LCD leader, Mothejoa Metsing raised a critical points regarding human rights and prison conditions .”overcrowding in prisons not only violates human dignity but also highlights systemic issues such as lack of resources and inadequate rehabilitation,” he said
He emphasized that building advocacy capacity is crucial to address these challenges, ensuring that education on human rights becomes a priority. Metsing called for a broader understanding of human rights culture among MP’s as they are policy makers and shape reforms.
Adding that education on human rights principle is essential in fostering a society that respects and unfolds the rights for all.
The capacity building was attended by seven MP’s with the support from the European Union, Commonwealth Secretariat, The Ministry of Law and Justice and Convention of Torture.
