The European Union in Lesotho (EU) is dedicated to empowering Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to promote and protect human rights in vulnerable communities. The initiative, "Empowerment of Civil Society Organisations for Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Lesotho (PPHR)," implemented by World Vision Austria and World Vision Lesotho, aims to strengthen social protection systems to monitor, prevent, and respond to trafficking in persons, while also protecting the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PwD). The initiative also seeks to enhance community understanding of two key issues: human trafficking and the rights of PwD, equipping members with knowledge to identify, report, and respond effectively to potential cases of trafficking and violations of the rights of PwD.

By strengthening community structures and national coalitions focused on the rights of PwD and trafficking victims, this project fosters a proactive approach to human rights advocacy, promoting a culture of vigilance and support.

Why?

This initiative addresses significant challenges in safeguarding human rights, particularly for marginalised groups such as PwD and human trafficking victims:

• Gaps in legislation implementation: Despite efforts like the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (2011) and the Persons with Disabilities Equity Act (2021), many vulnerable individuals remain unprotected due to weak enforcement mechanisms.
• Lesotho’s trafficking efforts progressing but below standards: According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report, the Government of Lesotho does not fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, but is making significant efforts to do so.
• Lack of awareness: Many community members are unaware of human trafficking indicators and available victim resources.
• Discrimination and exclusion: PwD face discrimination and inadequate access to essential services, exacerbated by the economic fallout from COVID-19.
• Empowerment of local actors: Equipping community leaders with knowledge and skills empowers them to take proactive measures against trafficking and improve collaboration with law enforcement and service providers for timely victim interventions.
• Addressing root causes: Focusing on community-based solutions will tackle socio-economic factors, such as poverty and lack of education, ultimately reducing vulnerability to exploitation.

How?

The project is implementing a range of interrelated activities designed to foster community engagement, provide education, and create sustainable response mechanisms tailored to Lesotho's unique needs. Central to these efforts is close collaboration with local stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and community groups, all supported by the EU's strong commitment to human rights and social justice in the region.

Key activities include:

• Building capacity: Strengthening 710 members of community structures to monitor human rights conditions and respond effectively to abuses.
• Awareness raising: Conducting educational initiatives to inform 93,000 members of the public about human trafficking and rights of PwD and empower communities to recognise and address these issues.
• Victim support: Providing assistance to 300 trafficking victims (with 75 of them also benefiting from livelihood support) and connecting them with essential services.
• Legislative advocacy: Translating key legislation into accessible language, enabling community members to effectively advocate for their rights.
• Coalition strengthening: Bolstering national coalitions representing PwD to enhance their role in promoting human rights and social accountability.

Background

The Empowering civil society for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in Lesotho (PPHR) project empowers Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and community structures to advocate for and protect the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly PwD and victims of human trafficking. By building local capacity, the project aims to establish sustainable, community-driven responses to human rights violations, fostering a culture of vigilance, advocacy, and support.

This initiative is a key component of the EU's broader strategy to protect and empower individuals, aligning with the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (2020-2024). It also underscores the EU's commitment to enhancing CSO participation in domestic policy-making.

By supporting initiatives such as the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) and Beautiful Dream Society (BDS), the project strengthens these organisations’ ability to advocate for the rights of marginalised populations. Additionally, it complements ongoing efforts from other entities like the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which addresses trafficking, and the Ministry of Social Development’s Disability Grant, creating a coordinated response to human rights challenges in Lesotho.

Through this comprehensive approach, the project fosters an environment where all individuals, especially the most vulnerable, can fully enjoy their human rights. The EU’s financial contribution of EUR 800,000 (LSL 16 million) reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing human rights and social justice in Lesotho.