Lesotho joins the global fight against child labor with an EU-backed project

Maseru-World Vision Lesotho has launched a new project aimed at eradicating child and forced labor in the country. The Acceleration Action for Eliminating Child Labor and Forced Labor (AECFL) initiative, funded by the European Union (EU), will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Employment, marking a new chapter in the fight against child exploitation.

Speaking at the launch, World Vision Lesotho National Director James Chifwelu said: “Child labor is a reality in Lesotho, driven by poverty and economic pressures. Our goal is to prevent, eliminate and raise awareness of this serious problem that deprives children of their rights.”

Despite Lesotho’s beauty and resilience, it is no exception to the global issue of child and forced labor. According to the latest global statistics, approximately 16% of Lesotho youth are involved in child labor. Many of these children are forced into demanding and dangerous jobs, such as herding animals in harsh weather conditions, domestic work with long hours, or street vending that involves activities that not only endanger their health but also deprive them of their childhood.

The AECFL project will be rolled out in five districts namely; Berea, Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing and will last for two years and six months. The project plans to initially train 500 community members, with that number growing to 6,000.

‘Mathabang Nkosi, the project coordinator, outlined that this fight requires a collective effort from everyone.

“We need to involve not only government, but also communities, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders,” Nkosi said.

The project aims to empower local communities by training members to become advocates and fighters against child labor. At least 100 young people will lead activities in their communities, raising awareness and advocating for children’s rights. These young leaders will be critical in ensuring that the voices of Lesotho youth are heard and respected.

The 2023 report on child labor in Lesotho shows that children are exposed to the worst forms of exploitation, including commercial sexual exploitation, often linked to human trafficking. Many are forced to perform dangerous tasks such as herding animals, which poses extreme risks to their safety and well-being.

EU representative Mario Varrenti expressed the EU’s strong position on this issue: “This is a serious violation of fundamental human rights. It robs children of their dignity, their childhood and the opportunity to get an education. Child labor traps families in cycles of poverty, and for the EU, eradicating it is crucial to achieving sustainable development.”

The EU’s involvement in this project highlights the role of the international and community communities in supporting Lesotho’s efforts to tackle child labour. As Varrenti noted, the project is not just about eradicating child labor; it is also about investing in the country’s future.

“Every child deserves a safe, healthy childhood and access to education. By eliminating child labor, we give children the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and unlock their full potential.”

This project will act as an important step towards a future where all children in Lesotho are free from exploitation. By promoting education and children’s rights, the initiative hopes to promote long-lasting changes that benefit both the current and the next generation.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Labor and Employment Ts’eliso Mokhosi emphasized that the government is deeply committed to creating an environment where every child is protected and valued.

“This isn’t just about statistics, it’s a call to action. Our commitment as a government includes strengthening the legal frameworks to ensure that children are fully protected,” Mokhosi said.

To support this, the government plans to review existing laws and introduce new regulations aimed at preventing exploitation.

“We will also improve reporting mechanisms to enable communities to report incidents of child and forced labor,” the minister added.

He also showed that raising awareness is crucial, and that the government will work closely with civil society organizations, educational institutions and international partners to ensure that this message reaches every corner of the country.

The AECFL project represents hope for children trapped in the cycle of labor and exploitation. Through collaboration between government, civil society, international organizations and the communities themselves, Lesotho can imagine a future where children are free to learn, grow and thrive.

As Chifwelu of World Vision Lesotho concluded: “Together we can break this cycle and create a better, more equitable future for the children of Lesotho.”