Respect for children's rights does not mean for those children to disrespect their elders, according to Coalition of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGOC) Executive Director Mrs Phomolo Mohapeloa, concerned about misrepresentation of the organisation's fight against abuse of children's rights.

NGOC has been facing intense criticism from some sections of the community that their support for children's rights has promoted loose morals, with children becoming unruly and disobedient.

Many Basotho have raised their ire against the Protection of Children's Rights Bill, currently under construction, because of the section that bars corporal punishment, believing that children will not become obedient if they are not whipped or given severe punishment.

The organisation believes that children can be told about their mistakes without being subjected to severe punishment and is about to start a campaign in the media to try bring over society to their side, Mrs Mohapeloa said.

01 September 2005