by Pusetso Sehlabaka | Jun 9, 2025 | Latest
The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS), in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Ministry of Defence, officially launched a four- day Local International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Committee training on 09 June 2025 at Thaba- Bosiu, Maseru.
The training brings together key national stakeholders- among them the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Local Government, and security agencies- as well as the National University of Lesotho and the Lesotho Red Cross Society. This initiative is part of a broader one- year IHL project designed to revitalize Lesotho’s Local IHL Committee and bolster humanitarian diplomacy.
In her opening remarks, the Principal Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Mabataung Khalane, emphasized Lesotho’s unwavering commitment to IHL, stating, “This workshop marks the intention and commitment of the government of Lesotho to observe the international law that regulates relations between states, international organizations, and other subjects that are party to international law.”
She further stressed that “The National IHL Committee must play a pivotal role in educating the nation and be the flag bearer for the protection of the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems, which are internationally recognised as symbols of peace.” Her remarks reaffirmed the government’s role in ensuring domestic implementation through legislative and administrative measures that uphold IHL obligations.
From the ICRC, Regional Legal Advisor Ms. Sarah Mabeza highlighted the importance of adapting humanitarian law to evolving global realities. “We urge governments to adopt and adapt IHL to changing circumstances,” she said, adding, “We will have the chance to discuss new technologies- how war is adapting and changing, and how the law perhaps needs to keep up with the realities on the ground.”
Highlighting Lesotho’s unique position, she noted: “Even as a peaceful country, Lesotho has shown great passion and leadership in supporting IHL. We are proud to continue our long- standing partnership.”
The training sessions will cover key themes such as the classification of armed conflict, protection of civilians, the role of the IHL Committee, and the intersection between IHL and human rights. It will also feature practical discussions on how to integrate IHL in national frameworks and security doctrine, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Lesotho Defence Force and LRCS.
This training marks a vital step in strengthening national capacity, ensuring that Lesotho remains a regional advocate for the principles of humanity, neutrality, and the rule of law- even in times of peace.
by Pusetso Sehlabaka | Mar 10, 2025 | Latest
With the support of The International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent (IFRC), Lesotho Red Cross Society is implementing a five-years (October 2024-Ocober 2029) Anticipatory Action for cold waves in Maseru, Mokhotlong, Qacha’s Nek Butha-Buthe, Quthing and Thaba-Tseka.
On Thursday the 06th March 2025, LRCS held an induction workshop to stakeholders; targeting Lesotho Metrological Services (LMS), Disaster Management Authority (DMA), Social Development, Forestry, Agriculture and Local Government at Maseru.
The AA project aims at addressing challenges posed by severe cold events occurring outside the expected winter season and can have detrimental effects on human lives and livelihoods. LRCS aims to address the critical impacts of severe cold, including supporting the provision of early warning messaging targeting public transport taxi associations, herders and community at large.
Provision of unconditional cash to support to families with school aged children and with very low income, who also suffer disproportionately in extreme cold weather due to lack of appropriate school shoes and clothing often resulting in children skipping school and contracting cold induced illness. This intervention will also provide 500 most vulnerable herders who are selected through community targeting and farmers association groups with winter clothing packs.
by Pusetso Sehlabaka | Feb 12, 2025 | Latest
Following the state of emergency that was announced by Lesotho’s Prime Minister as a result of severe heatwaves, the Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) implemented the Emergency Appeal project in five Southern districts (Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing and Qacha’s Nek with the aim of assisting 2500 households whose livelihoods are severely affected by drought.
The project provided the beneficiaries with unrestricted cash transfers of M1500 for 3 months per household, homestead gardening seeds (Rape, beetroot, carrots and spinach), field crops seeds (beans and maize), fruit trees (apple and peaches) among others.
Following the distributions, LRCS with the support of the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) conducted a monitoring visit from the 28th to 30th January 2025 at Maseru, Mafeteng and Quthing with the purpose of tracking and provision of technical support and recommendations going forward.
It was revealed that the beneficiaries did not only use the funds for groceries, they also started some income generating activities such as small business so as to have sustainable income. “I planted the vegetables and I am able to feed my family and sell some to the community,” Mrs Molise. She further indicated that the source of capital was mainly from the second cash transfer received. As she concluded she also stated that she is now able to take her children to school and they no longer go on an empty stomach.
On behalf of the district project managers / Divisional Secretaries Ms. ‘Mabulara Motlomelo emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the implementation “We are working hand in hand with other stakeholders in ensuring that the project is successful. We would have not been this far if we were not working together for the betterment of the communities we serve.”
The project manager Ms. Sebongile Hlubi said the main aim of the project was to respond to the state of emergency of food insecurity by improving household food insecurity caused by drought.
“I see ourselves as LRCS together with our partners trying to contribute to various aspects. Talking of food security, we have managed to capacitate beneficiaries with climate smart agricultural practices such as trench, keyhole gardening, banana plots among others, which is already benefiting beneficiaries”. Said Ms. Hlubi.
She further indicated that seeds were distributed to 2500 households although they were delayed. She concluded by indicating that the project is doing very well and hopes throughout the implementation, the implementers will be at a stage to say they really achieved the objective.
