Lesotho has reaffirmed its commitment to the eradication of statelessness.
Local government, chieftainship, home affairs and police minister Lebona Lephema told the ongoing 75th session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioners Programme (ExCom) in Geneva that the country’s stance is in sync with the 1954 convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, respectively.
“My delegation welcomes the convening of this important and timely session, which we view as a platform which has been intrinsically accorded to states, to take stock of the achievements made and challenges experienced in the quest to implement the `I belong Campaign`,” he said.
He noted that Lesotho is in the progress of coming up with laws that provide safety nets against stateless at birth by granting nationality to children born or found in the territory of Lesotho who would otherwise be stateless.
The meeting started on Monday and ends on Friday.
Lephema further indicated that Lesotho was working with various stakeholders including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees South African Multi Country office, Transformation Resource Centre, Lesotho Catholic Commission for Peace and Justice and Skillsharein dealing with statelessness issues.
“This approach signifies Lesotho’s commitment in the identification, determination and protection of stateless persons, as well as reduction of statelessness as a whole,” he added.
