MASERU – Lesotho is making continued progress in expanding access to essential public services for persons with disabilities, as government ministries, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and disability stakeholders strengthen collaboration to improve inclusion in education, justice, communication and other key sectors.
This was highlighted during a panel discussion where participants reflected on ongoing efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities are able to access services and participate fully in society, while acknowledging that gaps still exist in implementation and capacity.
Representing Disability Unit, Deaf Blind Association of Lesotho (DBAL) chairperson Mrs .Likopo Mokhoromeng said awareness on disability issues is improving, but many members of the public still lack understanding of different types of disabilities and the support required.
She said this continues to create barriers in communication and service delivery, particularly for persons with more complex disabilities such as deafblindness.
She called for more investment in training professionals and strengthening public awareness campaigns to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully included in society.
Mrs. Bokang Nthunya from the Ministry of Law and Justice under Human Rights Department said Lesotho remains committed to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities through the Constitution, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Disability Equity Act of 2021.
She said government is working to ensure that public institutions provide reasonable accommodation and accessible communication services, allowing persons with disabilities to access justice and other services without discrimination.
She also noted that Lesotho recently presented its progress report before the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Mrs. Mapaballo Setlaba from the Ministry of Education and Training under Special Education Unit said the ministry is strengthening inclusive education through teacher training, assistive technologies, sign language development and curriculum reforms aimed at accommodating learners with disabilities.
She said inclusive education remains a priority, although specialised support for learners with complex disabilities is still being developed in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
Senior Superintendent Teboho Khesa of the LMPS from the Disability Department said the police services has established a disability unit and is training officers in disability-sensitive approaches, including sign language, to improve access to justice for persons with disabilities.
He said the unit is also developing operational guidelines to ensure that cases involving persons with disabilities are handled appropriately and with dignity.
The panelists agreed that sustained collaboration between government, civil society organisations and development partners is essential to further strengthen disability inclusion and ensure equal access to education, justice and public services for all persons with disabilities in Lesotho.
Ends/MAMAJ
