Ombudsman, Law Reform ink historic MoU

‘MATHATO SEBOKA

MASERU – Ombudsman, Advocate Tlotliso Polaki, and the Lesotho Law Reform Commission (LLRC) have formalised a strategic partnership to enhance accountability and good governance with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last week Friday.

The historic signing aims to address systemic issues and strengthen legal frameworks between the two organs.

While the office of the ombudsman and the Law Reform have always worked together, the new partnership is seen as a significant step towards promoting good governance and accountability in Lesotho.

“This partnership is a catalyst for institutional coherence and a testament to our shared commitment to the Basotho nation,” said Adv Polaki.

She stated that the Ombudsman’s office will share findings from public complaints investigations to inform the LLRC’s proposals for new legislation, closing gaps in remedial action and promoting accountability.

The partnership will focus on identifying and addressing systemic issues, strengthening legal frameworks, and enhancing public trust in institutions.

“Our work often reveals that injustices are not just a result of bad actors, but of outdated laws,” said Adv Polaki.

Adv Polaki said that her office is an extension of the parliament, “we are the parliamentary watch-dog and my office in entrusted with protecting the public against maleficence that emanate from administration, corruption, violation of human rights and the degradation of the environment,” she adds “however, our work often reveals that the injustices that citizens suffer are not just a result of bad actors but of absolute or inadequate loss that no longer serve a modern democracy”.

She further started that by joining forces with the LLRC, they are expecting to create powerful and impactful feedback.

“The LRC has the vital task of systemically developing and reforming the laws of Lesotho, so by joining forces we create quite a forceful and powerful feedback look, from investigation to reform, the ombudsman’s office identifies what we call systemic issues through our daily investigations into public complains and the MOU ensures that these findings directly inform the Commission’s proposal for new legislation,” she concludes “By sharing expertise and information, we will work to strengthen legal frameworks so that accountability is not just a suggestion but a requirement”.

Adovate Puleng Rammolai, Law Reform Counsel said that she is grateful for the partnership as it came at the time of their transition, where they are working towards becoming a functional and an autonomous institution.

“This is a great opportunity as it came when we are currently still working on becoming a functional, autonomous institution, managing both our affairs intellectually and day-to-day. We are positive that in the near future, we will be independent,” said Adv Rammolai.

This collaboration signals a commitment to listening and acting to fix the system, ensuring accountability is a requirement, not just a suggestion. The partnership is expected to lead to more effective governance, better protection of human rights, and improved service delivery.

LLRC is a statutory body established by the Law Reform Commission Act No 5 of 1993, it became operational since 1997. It is mandated with reviewing the existing laws of Lesotho to bring them in line current situation and international standards.

It works to eliminate defects, repeal obsolete laws and advice the Ministry of Justice on legal reforms to ensure justice and good governance. It is currently operating as a department under the office of the Attorney General.