The Ministry of Law and Justice, through the Legal Aid Department, held a Legal Aid Validation Workshop at Lancers Inn Hotel in Maseru. The event focused on strengthening access to justice and improving legal services for vulnerable communities across Lesotho.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Law and Justice, the Principal Secretary, Lira Ralebese, said access to justice is a fundamental human right and the government is working to make it real for every citizen. He noted that the Legal Aid Office has opened four new branches in Leribe, Mokhotlong, Thaba Tseka and Qacha’s Nek. The expansion aims to ensure affordable and accessible legal services for indigent Basotho.

Ralebese said this progress aligns with the national commitment to equal justice. He explained that the new Legal Aid Guidelines support this mission by promoting quality, compassion and collaboration among service providers.

Mr. Chimwemwe Mangeni from the Project Coordinating Unit under the EU funded Strengthening of the Justice Sector Programme reinforced that access to justice is a right. He stated that the Legal Aid Office, established in 1978, is entering a historic phase by decentralizing its services beyond Maseru. With support from the European Union, new branches in the four districts will help reach vulnerable communities in the highlands.

Mangeni said the initiative aims to provide affordable, accessible, sustainable and high quality legal aid. The focus remains on marginalized and indigenous groups who often struggle to navigate the justice system. He added that the updated guidelines will regulate and standardize services, ensuring that all providers offer consistent and compassionate support.

The workshop underscored a clear goal. To make the constitutional right to justice a practical reality for every Basotho citizen.

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