Maseru, Lesotho, September 30, 2021: Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published the 20th edition of its annual Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor (TDA Report), in accordance with the U.S. Trade and Development Act of 2000. The TDA Report includes an assessment of government action to advance efforts in eliminating the worst forms of child labor. The Kingdom of Lesotho is among the 131 countries, non-independent countries, and territories profiled in this report. The report serves as a useful tool to raise awareness and promote efforts to address child labor, including its worst forms.
The TDA Report analyzes governments’ efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor through their legislation, enforcement, coordination, policies, and social programs. It identifies efforts in several areas and where gaps exist. It also makes country-specific suggestions regarding actions governments can take to address areas of concern. The TDA Report also presents findings on the prevalence and sectoral distribution of child labor, including its worst forms, in each country.
Each country in the TDA Report receives an assessment to indicate clearly the Secretary of Labor’s findings on each country’s level of advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor during the reporting period. Each country receives one of five possible assessments: Significant Advancement, Moderate Advancement, Minimal Advancement, No Advancement, or No Assessment.
In 2020, Lesotho made moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. Lesotho’s legislature passed an amendment to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act that removes the requirement for proof of force, fraud, or coercion even in the case of sex trafficking for minors; the National Police also established the Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Control Unit within the Lesotho Mounted Police Service to oversee human trafficking cases. However, children in Lesotho are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children also perform dangerous tasks in animal herding and domestic work.
To review the TDA Report in full, visit the DOL’s website: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/resources/reports/child-labor/findings
For more information, please contact the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Maseru via email at NkhahleRA@state.gov.