Lesotho Hosts 2025 Children’s Parliament Simulation: A National Dialogue on Budgeting for Children’s Rights
For Immediate Release: 24 July 2025
Lesotho Hosts 2025 Children’s Parliament Simulation: A National Dialogue on Budgeting for Children’s Rights
Maseru, Lesotho – The Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development, in collaboration with World Vision Lesotho and UNICEF Lesotho, will host the 2025 Children’s Parliament Simulation and High-Level Dialogue with Members of Parliament on 24 July 2025, at the National Assembly Chambers in Maseru.
This significant event, held under the theme “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress since 2010,” marks a renewed commitment to child-led governance, accountability, and the inclusion of children in national development discourse.
The session will bring together 50 child parliamentarians, Honourable Ministers, Members of Parliament, and key development stakeholders to evaluate how Lesotho has progressed in child-centered budgeting and planning over the past 15 years. A highlight of the programme will be the presentation of the Children’s Budget Scorecard (2010–2025), followed by a robust panel dialogue between children and Parliamentarians across key ministries such as Finance, Health, Education, Social Development, and Justice.
This simulation goes beyond symbolism; it is a transformative space that empowers children to engage directly with decision-makers, advocate for their rights, and propose meaningful solutions. By putting children at the forefront of national discussions on budgeting, the event serves as a platform to amplify children's voices, promote transparency, and enhance accountability in how public resources are allocated for their wellbeing.
The 2025 Children’s Parliament also aligns with this year’s Day of the African Child theme and builds on the legacy of the 2024 session, demonstrating Lesotho’s steadfast commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Both frameworks call for meaningful child participation in decisions that affect their lives, a principle that is also embedded in Lesotho’s Children’s Protection and Welfare Act.
The organizers invite the media to attend and document this important national engagement. Coverage of the Children’s Parliament is key to raising public awareness on child rights, showcasing children’s leadership, and stimulating action from policymakers and the general public. The visibility provided by the media will help ensure that the voices of children echo beyond the walls of Parliament and reach homes, communities, and institutions across Lesotho.
ENDS.
Note to editor
For more information, accreditation, or interview requests, please contact:
Lerato Brown, Communications and Marketing Manager | +266 58911020| lerato_brown@wvi.org
About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please visit www.wvi.org/lesotho or follow us on Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
About UNICEF Lesotho:
UNICEF Lesotho is committed to ensuring every child in Lesotho grows up safe, healthy, and educated, with their rights fully upheld and respected.