21st Session of the Universal Periodic Review
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
Geneva,
January 21, 2015
– as prepared –
Thank you, Madam President
The United States welcomes the Lesotho delegation.
We commend Lesotho for its commitment to a national dialogue on constitutional and parliamentary reform and look forward to free, fair, and peaceful national elections in February 2015. We welcome the progress achieved so far in the efforts to uphold democratic principles and restore political stability and security.
We remain seriously concerned by high rates of human trafficking for adults, and the persistence of the worst forms of child labor, including some that is hazardous and forced. We are also concerned about the rate of HIV infection, which is one of the highest in the world, and urge the government to ensure that treatment and services are provided in a non-discriminatory manner.
We recommend that the Government of Lesotho:
- Continue to demonstrate its commitment to democratic rule, rule of law, and accountable governance by holding free, fair, and peaceful elections in February 2015;
- Fully implement the July 2014 national anti-trafficking action plan and enact implementing regulations for the 2011 anti-trafficking act, including by making the changes necessary to ensure that that trafficking cases are prosecuted in the magistrate courts, not just the high court.
- Increase oversight of labor recruitment agencies licensed in Lesotho, and accelerate legal reforms to combat the worst forms of child labor.
Thank you