National Laws
Legislation of INTERPOL member states on sexual offences against children |
Lesotho - Lesoto
Maseru
Updated on 05 April 2006 - Updates are shown in red
I.Ages for legal purposes
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Age of simple majority
The legal age of majority is twenty-one (21) years.
Age of consent for sexual activity
The legal age of consent for sexual activity is fourteen (14) years for boys,
and sixteen (16) years for girls.
Age of consent for marriage
The legal age of consent for marriage is eighteen (18) years for boys, and
sixteen (16) years for girls.
Sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 16.
Women and girls protection proclamation N° 14 of 1949.
III.Other forms of child sex abuse
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Incest, indecent assault, abduction.
Marriage act N° 10 of 1974.
Procuration of child prostitution; offering or engaging a child for purposes
of commiting a sexual act for financial or other reward, favour or compensation.
Sexual offences bill 2000.
Lesotho has a specialized unit dealing with child protection issues – not particularly with (Internet) child pornography. Internet child pornography is a new phenomenon for Lesotho – no cases of such crimes have yet been reported. There are no particular legal provisions specifically dealing with child pornography in Lesotho, but these crimes fall under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
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