Lesotho Foreign Policy shall pursue a two-pronged strategy comprising a bilateral and multilateral approach. The two approaches will complement each other. On the bilateral front Lesotho shall continue to maintain diplomatic relations with friendly countries. In this regard, Lesotho shall be guided by a “win-win” philosophy. The Kingdom of Lesotho will establish diplomatic missions based on the principle of mutual benefit with due regard to cost-effectiveness. She will also enter into Joint Bilateral Commissions of Cooperation with developing countries in order to strengthen bilateral relations in the context of South-South Cooperation as well as to consolidate and develop special partnerships in the areas of economic, social, scientific, technical, cultural and good governance development. Further, Lesotho shall continue to deepen and strengthen her bilateral relations with current cooperating partners, to forge new links with other countries and to enhance cooperation with emerging powers. In the international arena, the Foreign Policy of the Kingdom of Lesotho will respect the United Nations Principles and Purposes and those of other International Organisations as well as conventions, treaties and protocols to which Lesotho is a signatory. The policy shall embrace multilateral approach towards global issues, cognisant of the fact that, internationally, there is an increasing tilt towards multilateral, away from unilateral diplomacy. For small states, multilateral approach is a necessary route to take, considering that it offers ample scope for forging coalitions and constituencies of solidarity, allowing collaboration and division of labour among like-minded states. 1. The Political Front The promotion and maintenance of international peace and security remain the key objective and pinnacle of Lesotho’s foreign policy. Sustainable peace is founded on international justice and observance of international law. Therefore, Lesotho will continue to support the principles that entrench international legality and justice, in particular, the principles of the right to self determination, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, observance of humanitarian laws, non interference in the internal affairs of other states and non indifference to the plight of other nations. Lesotho will also continue to advocate for the deepening of democracy and protection of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms. To this end the Kingdom of Lesotho holds the following positions: a) Democracy and Good Governance The Kingdom of Lesotho aspires for the ideal of a world that has fully embraced Democracy and Good Governance. In this regard, she will continue to support all legitimate efforts towards cultivating a culture of democracy and good governance at the regional, continental and global levels. It is in that context that Lesotho rejects the unconstitutional changes of governments. The Kingdom of Lesotho remains convinced that the principle of good governance is cardinal to the attainment of sustainable economic development, peace and stability. b) Basic Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms The Kingdom of Lesotho remains fully committed to the principle of the respect for Basic Human Rights, Fundamental Freedoms and the Rule of Law. Pursuant to this, Lesotho subscribes to the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the African Union Charter on Human and People’s Rights as well as other relevant international conventions on human rights. As such, Lesotho fully supports the work and programmes of the United Nations Human Rights Council and the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. c) The Right to Self-determination The Kingdom of Lesotho shall continue to advocate for and support the legitimate right to self-determination of all peoples and nations. The legitimate right to self-determination must be exercised in accordance with the relevant UN principles and resolutions. Lesotho rejects all forms of colonialism and foreign domination, including the occupation of territories through the use of force. Equally, Lesotho rejects the unilateral imposition of sanctions on other states, in all its forms. d) Armed Conflicts The Kingdom of Lesotho shall continue to support the settlement of internal and external disputes through dialogue and other peaceful means. The role of the UN Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, as well as in the resolution and management of conflicts, remains supreme. That notwithstanding, the Kingdom of Lesotho shall continue to associate herself with regional efforts and arrangements, which complement those of the UN for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. e) Terrorism The Kingdom of Lesotho shall continue to reject and condemn terrorism in all its forms. Terrorism is indiscriminate and brings untold miseries. Thus, the Kingdom of Lesotho shall remain unwavering in her support for all measures aimed at the prevention and elimination of terrorism. f) Disarmament The Kingdom of Lesotho aspires for a world that is free of all weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. It rejects the use and threat of use of these weapons and will, therefore, continue to support international efforts towards their elimination and non-proliferation. Lesotho subscribes to the international instruments against proliferation of small arms and light weapons. These weapons are easily accessible and have the potential to cause crimes, instability and insecurity. On the other hand Lesotho recognizes and fully supports the right of all nations to the development and use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. g) The Use of Outer Space and the High Seas The outer space and the high seas are the common heritage of all mankind. Peaceful use of the outer space has a great potential for extending the frontiers of knowledge for the benefit of humanity as a whole. Equally, the economic and scientific exploitation of the high seas should be for the benefit of all mankind. Lesotho will, therefore, continue to oppose the colonization and militarization of the outer space and to abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. h) The Reform of the Governance Structures of Major International Organizations and Institutions i) The United Nations The Reform of the United Nations, and specifically that of the Security Council has become a topical issue in the 21st Century. This has come out of the realization that issues of peace and security can no longer be a monopoly of the few. All countries, big and small, rich or poor, have equal responsibility for ensuring that humanity enjoys the benefits of peace and progress. Furthermore, democratization of international organizations and institutions enhances their legitimacy and efficiency. It is against this background that the Kingdom of Lesotho will continue to be part of the call to reform the United Nations, particularly the Security Council. As presently constituted, the Security Council does not reflect the realities of the 21st century thus rendering it unrepresentative and undemocratic. ii) Bretton Woods Institutions The Kingdom of Lesotho shall continue to advocate for the reform and democratisation of the Bretton Woods Institutions in order to allow fair representation and equity in their administration, policy formulation and implementation. The reform must equip them to better serve the development needs of all countries particularly the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small and Vulnerable Economies (SVEs) and the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs). 2. The Socio-Economic Front After decades of the politics of liberation, the focus of diplomacy internationally, has shifted to socio-economic issues, in quest for rapid and balanced human development and poverty eradication. It is in this context that Lesotho will design her policies towards mobilising international, regional and bilateral support for the implementation of her national development plans and programmes. Priority will be given to the mobilization of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Official Development Assistance (ODA), as well as towards advocating for improved market access in goods and services. In addition Lesotho will; • Facilitate her gainful participation in regional economic integration; • Promote and actively participate in South – South co-operation; • Support the pursuit of a fair, more balanced and development orientated international economic order that benefits Lesotho and the region; • Seek genuine policy space for low income developing countries such as Lesotho; • Support a move towards reform of the international financial architecture so as to achieve a more stable, secure and efficient system; • Advocate for a comprehensive and sound regulatory and supervisory framework for the financial sectors around the world in a way that Lesotho would benefit; a) International Development Initiatives The Kingdom of Lesotho shall vigorously pursue her development agenda on the basis of her own national development plans and within the framework of various relevant international initiatives such as the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, Brussels Programme of Action (BPOA), Almaty Programme of Action and Aid for Trade (AFT) as well as Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF). b) Trade Trade is an important tool for economic development, particularly in the new era of globalisation. There is need, therefore, to ensure free, fair and balanced as well as rule based trading system, with development dimension at its core, including special and differential treatment for low income developing countries. As a least developed country, Lesotho cannot break into the international trade without preferences which allow the Least Developed Countries to compete fairly with more developed countries. Lesotho will therefore continue to advocate for the special preferences which allow the Least Developed Countries to be competitive and to break into the markets of the developed countries. c) HIV and Aids The HIV and Aids pandemic continues to decimate whole populations the world over and has demonstrated that it requires collective international action to address it effectively. The Kingdom of Lesotho shall, in collaboration with the global community, endeavour to find an effective solution to this pandemic, to arrest its spread and to mitigate its impact. d) Gender Equality Gender equality is closely related to the basic human rights and is core to the advancement of societies. Lesotho aligns herself with the relevant international and regional conventions and protocols on the promotion of gender equality. e) Other social issues Lesotho will mobilize support, at different international fora, for her attainment of the following social ideals: • Food security; • Easier access to quality health care; • Provision of quality education for all; • Decent and secure housing for all; • Acceptable level of public order, safety and protection; • Improved disaster preparedness, reduction and management; • Easier and dignified movement of people across borders; • The arrest of the scourge of human trafficking; • Protection and empowerment of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups such as women, youth, the aged and the disabled. f) Science and Technology On the scientific front Lesotho will forge networks and mobilize cooperation in the following areas: • Research and development of appropriate technologies; • Transfer and diffusion of environment friendly technologies; • Spreading and deepening of ICT connectivity to overcome the digital divide; and • Management for sustainable environment. 3. Culture and Religion Lesotho’s policy is to support the acceptance and respect of cultural diversity globally. In this context that Lesotho shall participate to the best of her ability, at the international, regional and bilateral levels, in the multilateral and bilateral cooperation and exchanges in the following areas; • Performing and visual arts, both traditional, historical and contemporary; • Sports and recreation (traditional and contemporary); • Exhibitions (artistic, museum and cultural items); • Literature Religious tolerance is fast gaining in importance due to its relevance to world peace and security. Lesotho will continue to advocate for religious tolerance as a tool for maintaining international peace and security. In this regard, Lesotho shall work towards the promotion of interfaith dialogue and discourage defamation of religions.