This year, through the #JusticeForAll initiative, the European Union (EU) unites with its dedicated partners to amplify the message of justice and protection for all in Lesotho. The Ministry of Law and Justice is a key partner in this effort. Meanwhile, civil society organizations such as World Vision Lesotho and Sesotho Media and Development play pivotal roles in the initiative.

Through the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), this united effort aims to address and raise awareness about gender-based violence, child protection, and human rights with one collective voice. Together, these partners are delivering a range of impactful activities across Lesotho, equipping communities with resources to break the silence and strengthen protections for vulnerable groups.

The 16 Days of Activism, running from 25 November to 10 December, features a broad programme aimed at fostering safe and inclusive communities in Lesotho. Events range from public awareness campaigns and training for justice officials to community dialogues and awareness activities led by District Child Protection Teams, all dedicated to ending gender-based violence and promoting equality. This collective effort underscores the EU’s steadfast commitment to addressing GBV and promoting justice, ensuring that every community has access to protection and support.

Speaking to the critical need for united action, H.E. Paola Amadei, Ambassador of the European Union to Lesotho, emphasised, “The European Union is a dedicated advocate for preventing gender-based violence and safeguarding victims’ rights. Through partnerships with the Ministry of law and Justice and with organisations like Sesotho Media and Development and World Vision Lesotho, we underscore our collective responsibility to prevent abuse, support victims, and eliminate stigma. This year’s campaign emphasises that every community member has a role to play in breaking the cycle of violence.”

With sobering statistics revealing that 86% of Basotho women have experienced GBV, and with Lesotho ranking among the highest globally in instances of rape and murder, the urgency of this campaign cannot be overstated. "Breaking the silence around violence against women and LGBTIQ+ individuals is crucial," added H.E. Amadei, "Only through collaborative action can we begin to address these deep-rooted issues.”

The campaign encompasses multiple EU-funded initiatives focused on justice, safety, and human rights, showcasing how different partners are contributing:

• World Vision Lesotho: Supporting community outreach and protection programmes that advocate for child safety, and human rights in Lesotho. Additionally, magistrates, prosecutors, and court intermediaries have been receiving specialised training to better handle cases involving minors, promoting a trauma-sensitive approach.
• Sesotho Media and Development (SMD): Through media engagements, SMD is advancing awareness on human rights and GBV prevention. Community screenings of a documentary on the role of police invite the public, police and district administration to engage in dialogues on how best to promote and protect human rights, attracting diverse audiences, including youth and community leaders.
• Support for the Reform and Strengthening of Governance Programme: During the 16 days, the programme will roll out a training for magistrates on handling GBV cases, support the Human Rights Unit and the Corrrectional Service in carrying out human rights open days in correctional facilities, and partner with the National Assembly for its outreach on gender-responsive budgeting.

These initiatives represent the EU’s and its partners’ collaborative approach to social justice in Lesotho, addressing GBV prevention, supporting survivors, and educating communities through the #JusticeForAll initiative.

A lasting movement beyond the 16 Days

While the #16DaysOfActivism campaign emphasizes a critical time for action, the commitment to justice, safety and equality in Lesotho continues all year round. In alignment with the EU’s zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence, this joint effort highlights prevention, protection, and prosecution as essential pillars in breaking the cycle of violence. Through ongoing community engagement and partner-led initiatives, the EU seeks to empower survivors and uphold dignity and justice across every community.

This collective mission to “Break the Silence. End the Violence.” signals an enduring commitment to end violence against women and to ensure that human rights are protected across all of Lesotho.

About the EU

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries[1]. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment, and economies, so that everyone can benefit. It has been a partner of Lesotho since 1976.

For more information about the EU Delegation in Lesotho, please visit the EU Delegation website on https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/lesotho_en and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter)

About World Vision Lesotho

World Vision International Lesotho (WVIL) is a member of World Vision International, a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to overcome poverty and injustice.

About Sesotho Media and Development

Sesotho Media and Development (SM&D) is non-profit civil society organisation based in Maseru, Lesotho, committed to leveraging the influential medium of film and media to initiate conversations, challenge societal attitudes, and disseminate information in support of human rights.

About the Support for the Reform and Strengthening of Governance Programme

The Support for the Reform and Strengthening of Governance in Lesotho Programme, funded by the European Union and led by International Consulting Expertise, aims to foster the rule of law, good governance, human rights, and gender equality in Lesotho.

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[1] Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.