text:
Human Rights Reports
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
This is the basic text view. SWITCH NOW to the new, more interactive format.
Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy with a population of 1.88 million. Under the constitution, the king is head of state but does not actively participate in political activities. The prime minister is head of government and has executive authority. In 2007 the governing Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) party won reelection; domestic and international observers characterized the election as free and peaceful. Some other observers, including members of the leading opposition parties and some nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), felt it was not entirely fair. Many of the complaints were due to the complicated manner of allocating proportional parliamentary seats. The mediation begun by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 2007 continued through the efforts of Ketumile Masire, the former president of Botswana. From October 2008 until July, mediations were at a standstill. On July 9, Masire returned to Lesotho to deliver a report on his findings. The report sparked civil society organizations to begin a new round of talks under the mediation of the Christian Council of Lesotho. On August 19, talks were again postponed after the LCD party and opposition parties disagreed about interpretation of the 2007 case of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) vs. the Marematlou Freedom Party (MFP). Although civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces, there were unconfirmed reports of instances in which elements of the security forces acted independently.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens. However, the following human rights abuses were reported: torture and physical abuse; poor prison conditions; and lengthy pretrial detention and long trial delays. Societal abuses included abuse of spouses and children; restrictions on women's rights; discrimination against women and persons with disabilities or HIV/AIDS; and child labor.
RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Section 1 Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom From:
a. Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life
The government or its agents did not commit any politically motivated killings during the year.
However, during the first eight months of the year, the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), which monitors and investigates reports of police abuse, received six complaints of murder and three of deaths of detainees. Those cases were ongoing at year's end.
b. Disappearance
There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances.
c. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
Although the constitution and law expressly prohibit such practices, local media reported complaints that security forces tortured and abused persons. Newspapers and radio stations reported several cases of alleged torture by police. For example, in August local newspapers and private radio stations reported that several male residents in the rural village of Nokong, Berea District accused police of torture and unlawful detention. They alleged that police conducted a raid on the village searching for illegal guns at selected homes. After failing to find any illegal weapons, police allegedly took the men from their homes to a plateau overlooking the village and beat them. The claims were being investigated by the Police Inspectorate, Complaints and Discipline Division, at year's end, but no formal charges had been filed.
At year's end there was no official report available concerning the 2007 case in which three street vendors accused of selling marijuana filed complaints of assault, unlawful detention, and theft against the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS).
In 2007 Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) soldiers detained several men in connection with an alleged coup plot and a search for weapons that allegedly had been forcibly taken from military guards at ministerial residences. Some of the men later gave media interviews in which they claimed to have been held in secret and incommunicado detention. They further stated the LDF interrogated them about their connections to the opposition All Basotho Convention (ABC) party.
In late 2009 the magistrate court dismissed treason charges against the three soldiers, Major Mokhantso, Captain Ramotso, and Corporal Majalle. Two remained active duty soldiers in the LDF at year's end. One was demoted to the rank of captain (from major) following a court martial; he subsequently retired.
Of the six other men who were granted political asylum in South Africa in 2007, four returned to Lesotho and two died in exile, including Makotoko Lerotholi, who died in October. On April 22, there was an unsuccessful attempt to kill the prime minister. Lerotholi was the suspected mastermind of the assassination attempt; he died before the government completed an extradition request.
In March Motlomelo Elias Motlomelo, Mokherane Tsatsanyane, Thabo Thants'I, and Khotso Lebakeng returned to the country voluntarily and turned themselves in to police, who questioned and subsequently released them. On May 4, they held a press conference in Maseru, stressing that they would be "staying out of politics." No charges were filed against them.
Prison and Detention Center Conditions
Prison conditions were poor, and facilities were overcrowded and in disrepair. Sanitation and nutrition were poor, and prison facilities lacked bedding. Some improvements were made in 2008, and renovation of the Maseru Central and Thaba Tseka District prisons was ongoing. Prisoners received free medical care from government hospitals and were eligible to vote in elections. All prisons had a nurse and a dispensary to attend to minor illnesses. Some correctional facilities owned ambulances to transport inmates for emergency medical care.
The Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) reported that the total prison population was 2,276, including juveniles. There were 61 juveniles, 50 boys and 11 girls. Under the law, a juvenile is anyone under 18 years of age. A total of 97 percent of prisoners were male. When the prison facilities were built, there was no rule about maximum occupancy. The LCS was uncertain what the maximum number of prisoners per facility should be. Males are held separately from females. Juveniles are held in different detention centers, and males are separated from females within the juvenile detention centers.
The law provides that pretrial detainees and convicted prisoners be held in separate facilities; however, due to lack of space, pretrial detainees--who constituted 18 percent of the prison population--were held with convicted prisoners. Security and military prisoners were held in a separate facility.
Prison regulations provide for visiting committees made up of principal chiefs, church ministers, representatives of the business community, advocates of the High Court, and other citizens. These committees are authorized to visit any prison without the prior knowledge of the prison director and generally were allowed to do so. The committees reported their findings to the prison director as well as to the general public. Officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited in December.
International human rights groups were permitted to monitor prison conditions. During the year a committee composed of government officials and the Lesotho Red Cross visited a number of correctional facilities to evaluate the level of professional training and activities available for inmates. The committee concluded that the inmates received satisfactory professional training and guidance.
Lesotho Red Cross officials visited facilities in December and concluded that inmates received satisfactory professional training and guidance.
No further action was taken against prison officials implicated in the 2007 case involving mistreatment of inmates in the Quthing District.
d. Arbitrary Arrest or Detention
The constitution and law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention, and the government generally observed these prohibitions.
Role of the Police and Security Apparatus
The security forces consist of the LDF, LMPS, and National Security Service (NSS). The prime minister is the minister of defense and national security, with direct authority over the LDF and NSS. The LMPS falls under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Safety.
The LMPS is nationally managed. The country is divided into three police regions, which are further divided into districts. An assistant commissioner of police heads each region; senior superintendents head the districts. Other assistant commissioners are based at police headquarters. A shortage of human and financial resources limited the LMPS's effectiveness.
Prison staff are part of the Lesotho Correctional Service, headed by a commissioner.
The internal affairs organs that address corruption and other offenses by police are the LMPS Inspectorate, Complaints, and Discipline Unit and the Police Complaints Authority (PCA). The PCA, an independent oversight body, monitors police behavior and addresses grievances against police. These bodies prosecutedsome members of the security forces. Commonly imposed forms of disciplinary action include fines, suspension, demotion, or dismissal from service.
Current legislation does not grant the PCA powers of search and seizure or the authority to summon police officers. Also, local NGOs have complained that the PCA's inability to initiate cases based on public complaints limits its effectiveness. Cases are initiated only at the request of the minister of home affairs and public safety.
Corruption was a problem, as confirmed by LMPS authorities. In addition to "theft of exhibits" (theft or disappearance of evidence related to a trial proceeding), private transport operators claimed that police solicited bribes from drivers of taxis and buses who violated traffic laws. However, no formal charges of police corruption were made during the year. According to the LMPS Inspectorate, Complaints and Discipline Unit, from January to August there were six complaints of abuse, one of unlawful arrest, one of unlawful search, one of "theft of exhibit," and three of failure to attend to public reports. Lack of accountability was sometimes a problem. The process of enforcing police accountability was slow, but internal affairs organs prosecuted some members of the security forces. More serious offenses, such as murder, were sent to the High Court via the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
PCA data indicated that, between January and August, the PCA received a total of 14 cases. These included six alleged murder cases; three cases of alleged death in custody; two cases alleging assault; one unlawful auction of a complainant's vehicle; unlawful release of a vehicle at an accident scene; and one case of harassment. Seven of the complaints were submitted to the police; the other seven were under investigation.
The case against former police superintendent Ramoeletsi, accused of extorting 980 maloti ($123) from a local woman in 2007 and suspended that year from the LMPS, was proceeding at year's end.
On June 18, the High Court issued a not guilty verdict in the 2007 case of a deputy police commissioner accused of filing fraudulent per diem claims. The government appealed, and its appeal was pending at year's end.
Arrest Procedures and Treatment While in Detention
The law requires police to obtain a warrant prior to making an arrest. Suspects were apprehended openly and brought before an independent judiciary. Suspects must be informed of charges within 48 hours, and their families must be notified of any detention. The law allows family members to visit inmates. However, according to media reports and LMPS officials, police did not always comply with these provisions in practice. The law provides for bail, which authorities granted regularly and in general fairly. Defendants have the right to legal counsel. Detainees are allowed prompt access to a lawyer; lawyers are provided for indigents. The Legal Aid Division, under the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, offered free legal assistance, but a severe lack of resources hampered the division's ability to be effective. NGOs maintained a few legal aid clinics.
Pretrial detention could last months or even years. The backlog was due to lack of resources, judicial staffing shortages, delay tactics by defense counsel, and unavailability of legal counsel. The average length of pretrial detention was 60 days, after which authorities usually released pretrial detainees on bail pending trial. The Speedy Trial Act of 2002 provides that a suspect cannot be held in custody for more than 90 days before a trial except in exceptional circumstances.
The government occasionally granted amnesties on the king's birthday, Independence Day, or Christmas Day. On July 17, the King's Birthday, 41 inmates were released early. On September 17, the Pardons Committee decided how many inmates would be freed during Independence Day celebrations on October 4; the LCS stated that 245 were released in October.
e. Denial of Fair Public Trial
The constitution and law provide for an independent judiciary, and the government generally respected judicial independence in practice. There was a large case backlog, which resulted in delayed trials.
Trial Procedures
Defendants are presumed innocent. There is no trial by jury. Trials are public, but in civil cases judges normally hear cases alone. Defendants have the right to be present at their trials and to consult with an attorney in a timely manner; however, there have been some instances in which authorities did not advise accused persons of their right to legal representation. Free legal counsel was available, either from the state or a legal NGO. Defendants may confront and question witnesses against them and present witnesses on their own behalf. A defendant is allowed to present evidence on his own behalf at the magistrate court, but at the High Court legal representation is required. Defendants have the right to access unclassified government evidence during a trial. The government cannot classify evidence and use it against a defendant. If evidence is going to be used in court, both the plaintiff and the defendant have access. Defendants have the right to appeal. A defendant may either be held or released on bail until sentenced.
In the formal court system, women and men are accorded equal rights. The 2006 Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act improved the status of married women, whether married under formal or customary law, by ensuring that they are no longer legally considered minors. However, in practice women were sometimes still not accorded their full rights under the law.
The constitution and law provide for the right to a fair trial, and an independent judiciary generally enforced this right.
Political Prisoners and Detainees
There were no reports of political prisoners or detainees.
Civil Judicial Procedures and Remedies
There is an independent and impartial judiciary with jurisdiction over civil matters. Citizens can freely access the court system to file lawsuits seeking cessation of human rights violations or a recovery of damages resulting from such acts. Some administrative remedies are available from the Labor Court, as stipulated by the Public Services Act. Judicial remedies for such wrongs are addressed in the constitution. However, in some cases, the government failed to produce evidence in court and sequester witnesses. This could damage the claims of the plaintiffs, leading to dismissal of cases.
f. Arbitrary Interference with Privacy, Family, Home, or Correspondence
The constitution states that "every person shall be entitled to respect for his private and family life and his home." Although search warrants were required under normal circumstances, the law provides police with the power to stop and search persons and vehicles and enter homes and other places without a warrant if the situation is considered life threatening, if there are security concerns, or in the case of an emergency. The general public reportedly did not know that police are required to have a search warrant. A government source stated that police were known to flaunt their power, even when in possession of a warrant, and neglected to show warrants to homeowners. The Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act of 1981 states that any police officer of the rank of inspector and above can conduct a search without a warrant.
The Lesotho Times reported that, in May and September, police raided the homes of three ABC supporters to search for illegal arms but found none. The men, including one member of Parliament, claimed they were being harassed because of their affiliation with the ABC. Police claimed that they had received a tip that the ABC supporters had weapons.
Section 2 Respect for Civil Liberties, Including:
a. Freedom of Speech and Press
The constitution and law provide for freedom of speech and of the press, and the government generally respected these rights in practice. An independent press, effective judiciary, and a functioning democratic political system combined to ensure freedom of speech and of the press. However, some journalists practiced self-censorship because the government employed libel suits in previous years. Media outlets risked being sued by the government for slander or libel. Further, state-owned media outlets reflected positions of the ruling party.
There were no government restrictions on access to the Internet or reports that the government monitored e-mail or Internet chat rooms. Individuals and groups could engage in the peaceful expression of views via the Internet, including by e-mail. The Internet was not widely available and almost nonexistent in rural areas, due to a lack of communication infrastructure and the high cost of access. The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) estimated that 5.1 percent of inhabitants used the Internet during the year.
Academic Freedom and Cultural Events
There were no government restrictions on academic freedom or cultural events.
b. Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association
The constitution and law provide for freedom of assembly and association, and the government generally respected these rights in practice.
On October 22, students rioted at the National University of Lesotho over nonpayment of housing allowances for off-campus students. Police were called in: they opened fire on a group of students. One student, reportedly not involved in the riot, was killed. Statements released by the police immediately afterward claimed that she had been trampled to death, but an autopsy report showed that she was killed by gunfire. Investigations into the killing began, but there were no charges filed.
The constitution and law provide for freedom of religion, and the government generally respected this right in practice.
Societal Abuses and Discrimination
There were no reports of societal violence, harassment, or discrimination against members of religious groups.
There were a small number of Jews, but no practicing Jewish community. There were no reports of anti-Semitic acts.
For a more detailed discussion, see the 2009 International Religious Freedom Report at 2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf.
d. Freedom of Movement, Internally Displaced Persons, Protection of Refugees, and Stateless Persons
The constitution and law provide for freedom of movement within the country, foreign travel, emigration, and repatriation, and the government generally respected these rights in practice.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the government cooperated with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian organizations in providing protection and assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and other persons of concern.
The constitution and law prohibit forced exile, and the government did not use it in practice.
Protection of Refugees
The laws provide for the government's granting of refugee status or asylum in accordance with the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, and the government has established a system to provide protection to refugees. The country is a party to the 1969 AU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of the Refugee Problem in Africa. In practice, the government provided protection against the expulsion or return of refugees to countries where their lives or freedom would be threatened on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Section 3 Respect for Political Rights: The Right of Citizens to Change Their Government
The constitution and law provide citizens the right to change their government peacefully, and citizens exercised this right in practice through periodic, free, and fair elections based on universal suffrage.
Elections and Political Participation
In 2007 the LCD party won reelection, claiming 61 of 80 constituency-based seats in the National Assembly; domestic and international observers characterized the election as free and peaceful, but major opposition parties and some NGOs claimed it was not entirely fair due to the complicated manner of allocating parliamentary seats. Through a preelection alliance with the National Independent Party, the LCD controlled a further 21 of 40 proportional representation seats, bringing its majority to 82 out of 120 seats. The largest opposition party, the ABC, won 17 constituency-based seats and 10 proportional seats through its own preelection alliance with the Lesotho Workers Party.
Although both major political parties created alliances in an attempt to gain more seats in the 2007 election, the most contested issue was that the ruling LCD party gained an additional 21 seats. Despite the fact that some legal experts, including those associated with the SADC mediation process, stated that the memoranda of understanding clearly circumvented the intent of the constitution, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) accepted the informal alliances.
In July Ketumile Masire returned to Lesotho to deliver his report on the outcome of the SADC mediation--at a standstill since late 2008. Masire stated that the "approach to the matter now taken by the Government of Lesotho" was the reason he could no longer continue to mediate the disagreement. He further stated that the alliances entered into by the LCD and ABC were wrongly allowed, undermining the mixed-member proportional electoral model and making it ineffectual. He added that the LCD's main position--that the High Court has already decided the question of alliances--was not actually true, that the High Court had "decided not to decide," and that the court's judgment was unhelpful.
Masire's report reignited the desire of the opposition parties to revisit the 2007 allocation of parliamentary seats. On August 5, local civil society organizations led by the Christian Council of Lesotho (CCL) and the Lesotho Council of NGOs (LCN) intervened and brought the opposing sides together for further dialogue.
The talks broke down on August 19, because the two sides still held different views about the High Court's judgment pertaining to the case filed by the MFP in 2007, a point of contention central to the dispute. Other outstanding challenges included the disputed allocation of proportional representation seats and the status of the official leader of the opposition in the National Assembly.
The SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in September urged all Basotho stakeholders to continue to be engaged and mandated the SADC Troika of the Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation, composed of Swaziland (outgoing chair), Mozambique (current chair), and Zambia (incoming chair), to monitor the ongoing discussions.
There were 31 women in the 120-seat National Assembly and six women in the 33-seat Senate. The speaker of the National Assembly, six of 19 government ministers, three of five assistant ministers, five of 10 judges on the High Court, and the commissioner of police were women.
Approximately 98.5 percent of the population is ethnic Basotho. There were no members of minorities in the National Assembly, the Senate, or the cabinet.
Section 4 Official Corruption and Government Transparency
The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption. There were isolated reports of government corruption during the year, but no new high-profile cases of corruption.
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offenses (DCEO) is the primary anticorruption organ and investigates corruption complaints against public sector officials. The DCEO reported that public officials were not subject to financial disclosure laws. The DCEO's official statistical report stated that during the year it received a total of 115 reports on subjects including bribery, fraud, abuse of power, embezzlement of public funds, and tender manipulation. Of these reports, nine were closed, 11 were under preliminary investigation, 22 were referred to the police, 29 were referred elsewhere (to the Directorate of Dispute Prevention and Resolution or the Labor Court), 32 reports were pending preliminary investigation, and 13 were referred to the DCEO investigatory division.
In January 2008 the auditor general released an audit of the country's 2003-04 public accounts. The report stated that the public accounts suffered from serious errors and omissions which led to misrepresentation of the government's financial position. Errors included expenditure misappropriation, lack of ledger accounts reconciliations, lack of ministerial expenditure and revenue reports reconciliations, unauthorized excess expenditures, and nondisclosure of some capital projects. The auditor general stated that the government needed to confront a weak financial system and address extended delays in releasing public financial information.
In April the government introduced the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) to help manage government funds more effectively and ensure accountability. The system encountered multiple problems; critics said it was introduced too early, before officials had received the requisite training to operate it. However, in the fall, a visiting International Monetary Fund team stated that the problems were minor, the IFMIS rollout was normal, and the system was functioning correctly.
Although there are no laws providing for access to government information, and access was limited, Web sites of government ministries, parastatal companies, and private organizations provided some information on governmental activities. The Government Gazette and other publications could be requested from the Government Printers' Office. There were also media releases from government ministry information officers. Researchers at institutions such as the Institute of Southern African Studies, NGOs, and the media complained about the lack of access to government information.
On August 19, Lesotho's first female police commissioner, Malejaka Letooane, was sentenced to six months in jail for contempt of court. According to the magistrate's judgment, Letooane had authorized the release of a vehicle from police custody contrary to the order of the magistrate court. Local media reported that the commissioner failed to appear in court when summoned to explain why she released the vehicle. The chief justice granted the commissioner the right to appeal to the High Court. In October the chief justice overturned the sentence and reportedly dismissed the case altogether. However, the case concerning the vehicle release was proceeding in the magistrate court at year's end.
In January the High Court sentenced the principal secretary for the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Pontso Lebotsa, to five years in prison or a fine of 10,000 maloti ($1,250) for contravening government procurement regulations in 2007. The defendant appealed, the Court of Appeal confirmed the High Court judgment, and Lebotsa paid the fine.
Section 5 Governmental Attitude Regarding International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Violations of Human Rights
A number of domestic and international human rights groups generally operated without government restriction, investigating and publishing their findings on human rights cases. Government officials were generally cooperative and responsive to their views.
The major human rights NGOs were the Transformation Resource Center, LCN, the Development for Peace Education, and the Catholic Church Justice and Peace Commission. According to LCN, there was regular collaboration between the government and NGOs at the ministerial level. NGOs participated regularly and made policy recommendations to the government. These NGOs operated independently, without government restrictions. The government cooperated with international governmental and humanitarian organizations, such as the ICRC. The government did not block release of any reports, and there were no reports that any international body criticized the government during the year.
The independent Office of the Ombudsman exists to protect citizens against infringement of their rights by public and private sector organizations. The office appeared to function without undue governmental or political interference. However, the ombudsman was constrained by a shortage of staff, financing, and equipment. The ombudsman intervened in response to requests for release of unlawfully withheld salaries, reinstatement of employees illegally suspended from their jobs, compensation for persons relocated to new areas in connection with Lesotho Highland Water Project activities, and compensation for and repairs of houses in communities close to large-scale development projects.
Section 6 Discrimination, Societal Abuses, and Trafficking in
The constitution and the formal legal code prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, disability, language, or social status. However, the constitution recognizes customary law as a parallel legal system, and under it women remain disadvantaged with regard to property rights, inheritance, contracts, and succession rights.
The law prohibits rape, including spousal rape, and mandates a minimum sentence of five years' imprisonment, with no option for a fine. Rape was reportedly commonplace; an estimate based on police national crime statistics indicated that in 2008 there were 1,300 reported cases of rape. Courts heard a number of rape and attempted rape cases, several of which resulted in convictions.
Domestic violence against women was widespread. An estimate based on police national crime statistics indicated there were 7,700 reported cases of domestic violence in 2008. Domestic violence and spousal abuse are criminal offenses defined as assault; however, few domestic violence cases were brought to trial. The law does not mandate specific penalties, but an offender can be cautioned and released, given a suspended sentence, fined, or imprisoned. Punishment depends on the severity of the assault, and judges have a wide degree of discretion in sentencing. Violence against women and children was increasingly considered socially unacceptable due to the government advocacy and awareness programs by the Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) of the police, the Department of Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sports, and Recreation. This work was bolstered by local and regional organizations, such as the Women and Law in Southern Africa Trust, the Federation of Women Lawyers, the Lesotho Child Counseling Unit, other NGOs, and broadcast and print media campaigns. Activities include teaching young persons and parents how to report such offenses and how to access victim services.
The legal code does not address prostitution. It was known to occur in urban areas, but its pervasiveness was unclear.
The law does not specifically prohibit sexual harassment, and sexual harassment was known to occur in places of work and to be commonplace elsewhere. The Law Office stated that complaints involving sexual harassment were not often reported through official channels and tended to be handled internally, if reported at all.
The Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act gives couples and individuals the right to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing, and timing of their children, and to have the information and means to do so free from discrimination, coercion, and violence. Government hospitals and clinics provided equitable access for all, regardless of status, to reproductive health services. This included diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. In addition, the independent Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association worked in partnership with the government to provide such services.
Women and men are accorded equal rights in civil and criminal courts. The 2006 Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act effectively eliminated de jure discrimination against women under formal law except in the area of inheritance, which it does not cover. The act further extends to traditional law and custom and grants women married under custom equal rights, similar to those married under common law. The previous statutory and customary laws limited the rights of women in areas such as property rights, inheritance, and contracts.Under the dual legal system, women have the legal and customary right to make a will and sue for divorce; however, under traditional (customary) law, a married woman was considered a minor during the lifetime of her husband and could not enter into legally binding contracts without her husband's consent. Since passage of the new law, the rights of women have substantially improved. Married women can obtain loans without the consent of their husbands and enjoy full economic rights under the law. However, the law does not provide for women's inheritance and custody rights. A woman married under customary law has no standing in civil court unless she has her marriage legalized in the civil system. Government officials publicly criticized customary practice regarding marriage.
Women's rights organizations took a leading role in educating women about their rights under traditional and formal law, highlighting the importance of women's participation in the democratic process. The Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports, and Recreation is charged with promoting the legal rights of women. It supported efforts by women's groups to sensitize society to respect the status and rights of women.
Although polygamy is not recognized by the formal legal code, it was practiced under the traditional legal system by a small minority.
Women were not discriminated against in access to employment, credit, or pay for substantially similar work. Some of the highest paid positions are held by women, including speaker of parliament, cabinet ministers, judges, ambassadors, the commissioner of police, government principal secretaries, the auditor general, certain directors of government ministries, and the chief executive officers of some public enterprises.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, citizenship is derived by birth within the country's territory. According to the Office of the Registrar of Births and Deaths in the district administrator's office, all births are registered by hospitals and local clinics. Children born in private homes are registered at the offices of local chiefs, and the information is then transmitted to the district administrator's office for issuance of birth certificates.
The law provides for the protection of children; however, limited resources hampered the government's ability to enforce the law fully. In addition, the rapid rise in the number of AIDS orphans contributed to child prostitution, child homelessness, child-headed households, and children at risk of exploitation for labor or other purposes. The problem of parents getting sick or dying from AIDS was the most troubling issue facing children in the country.
By law education is universal, although not compulsory, and as of 2006 was tuition-free for grades one through seven. Secondary education is not free, but the government has scholarships for orphaned and vulnerable children. The education bill, making free primary education compulsory for children in grades one through seven, was passed by both houses of Parliament on November 18.
The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that a substantial number of children did not attend school. The problem was particularly prevalent in rural areas, where there were few schools. Attending school regularly was most difficult for those involved in supporting their families through subsistence activities or those whose families could not afford fees for the purchase of uniforms, books, and school materials. According to UNICEF statistics for 2009, 80 percent of boys and 88 percent of girls attended primary school. More boys failed to attend school than girls due to the tradition of livestock herding by young boys.
Child abuse was a problem, especially for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The CGPU indicated that, from January to August, 190 cases of abuse were reported. These cases included 12 child neglect cases, 15 common assault cases, 20 abduction (forced elopement) cases, and 143 cases of sexual assault. The true number of child abuse cases was thought to be much greater. The CGPU was active in fighting abductions for forced marriage.
During the year the news media frequently published reports of violence at traditional initiation schools, attended mainly by rural youth. While the activities of these initiation schools were kept secret, violence against students, teachers, and members of surrounding communities was reported in newspapers, on the Internet, and on the radio.
According to media reports, child prostitution was a problem. Young girls and boys, many of whom were orphans, moved to urban areas to engage in prostitution. A 2001 UNICEF assessment concluded that child prostitution in the country was driven by poverty and undertaken only as a last resort. The study also noted that prostituted children most often acted on their own and were apparently not controlled by organized criminal syndicates or any other third party. However, UNICEF and the government agreed that while the numbers remained small, the trend toward the commercial sexual exploitation of children in prostitution was a growing problem. There were not enough resources within either the police force or the Department of Social Welfare to address the needs of children likely to engage in prostitution.
There is no legislation specifically addressing child prostitution or child pornography, but the Child Protection Act of 1980 and the Sexual Offenses Act of 2003 can be used to prosecute offenders. The Sexual Offenses Act sets the minimum age for consensual sex at 18.
Familial stress, poverty, the virulent spread of HIV/AIDS, and divorce led to a rise in child homelessness and abandonment. Consequently, according to UNICEF, an estimated 180,000 orphans and vulnerable children were living on the streets. Street children were hampered by lack of access to government services, such as medical care and schooling, and were not informed about their right to receive such services.
The CGPU had branches in all 10 districts, but lack of resources restricted its ability to be effective. The CGPU dealt with sexual and physical abuse, neglected and abandoned children, and protection of the property rights of orphans.
The law does not prohibit all forms of trafficking in persons; however, the constitution prohibits slavery and forced labor, and provisions in several other laws could be used to prosecute trafficking–related offenses. Persons were trafficked to, from, through, and within the country.
According to a foreign government's current trafficking in persons report, the country was a source for women and children trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor. Victims were trafficked internally and to South Africa for domestic work, farm labor, and commercial sexual exploitation. Women and girls were also brought to South Africa for forced marriages in remote villages. Nigerian traffickers acquired Basotho victims for involuntary servitude in households of Nigerian families living in London. Chinese organized crime units acquired victims while transiting Lesotho and trafficked them to Johannesburg, where they "distributed" them locally or trafficked them overseas. Identified traffickers in Lesotho tended to be white, Africaans-speaking men and long-distance truck drivers. Women and children attempting to support families impacted by HIV/AIDs and Basotho looking for better employment prospects in South Africa were most likely to be lured by a trafficker's fraudulent offer of a legitimate job.
Trafficking offenders could be prosecuted under relevant provisions of the Child Protection Act of 1980, the Aliens Control Act, and the Sexual Offenses Act of 2003. They could also be prosecuted for kidnapping, which is an offense under common law and the Labor Code Order of 1981, as amended. The government supported women's rights, and the constitution provides for freedom from slavery and forced labor.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Safety and the CGPU are responsible for monitoring trafficking in persons. Despite the lack of legislation, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, some NGOs, immigration officers, and police offered assistance during the year to suspected victims of trafficking.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare offered assistance to victims of abuse, orphaned and vulnerable children, and suspected or identified trafficking victims. Domestic and international NGOs provided some orphanages with supplies and funds to build new shelters or expand existing shelters, which could also be used to protect and assist child victims of trafficking.
On July 2, the government established an committee, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Safety, to prepare draft antitrafficking legislation. The committee included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sports, and Recreation; the police Child and Gender Protection Unit; and local NGOs such as Women and Law in Southern Africa, among others.
The Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report can be found at 2009-2017.state.gov/j/tip.
The constitution and law prohibit discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, or provision of other state services. The government enforced these laws within its limited ability. Although societal discrimination was common, the tradition of hiding children with disabilities from the public was no longer commonly accepted. The Association of the Disabled actively promoted the rights and needs of persons with disabilities.
Laws and regulations stipulate that persons with disabilities should have access to public buildings, and such buildings completed after 1995 generally complied with the law.
Election law provides for assisted voting for persons with disabilities, which is respected in practice. They are allowed to have anyone of their choice assist them with voting, including the presiding officer at a polling station; there should also be a third person to verify that the voter's choices are respected.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is responsible for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. In partnership with the NGO Skillshare International, the government provided leadership training workshops for persons with disabilities and community-based rehabilitation (training community members to provide services to persons with disabilities). The community-based training also trains teachers to work with students with disabilities. The Skillshare-government partnership also supported 20 income-generating projects with a minimum starting capital of 10,000 maloti ($1,250). There was also advocacy and awareness training about the rights of persons with disabilities. These events usually centered on international events, such as Sign Language Day, White Cane Day, and Braille Day. The partnership also provided aids such as prescription eyeglasses, wheelchairs, and canes.
Societal Abuses, Discrimination, and Acts of Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
The law does not address sexual orientation, and general discrimination against gay persons was not present in the workplace, housing, statelessness, or access to health care or education. Homosexual conduct is taboo in society, and is not openly discussed. There were no reports of violence against gay persons during the year.
Other Societal Violence or Discrimination
There continued to be media reports that children orphaned by AIDS, persons with AIDS, and their immediate families were stigmatized.
The law prohibits discrimination in the workplace on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.
In 2006 the parliament amended the labor code to include an HIV/AIDS workplace policy. Each government ministry or department provided subsidized medicine and food to its employees with HIV/AIDS, and such assistance was available to all citizens at subsidized prices at all government hospitals.
LDF policy states that if a soldier is found to be HIV positive after induction, the person is not retired or separated. The soldier is provided counseling and testing, and duties are adapted as appropriate.
Section 7 Worker Rights
a. The Right of Association
Under the law workers have the right to join and form trade unions without prior authorization or excessive bureaucratic requirements. Workers exercised this right in practice. All trade unions must register with the registrar of trade unions. The law prohibits civil servants and police from joining or forming unions but allows them to form staff associations; both police and civil servants have established such associations. The law allows unions to conduct their activities without interference, and the government generally protected this right. The law provides for a limited right to strike. In the private sector, the labor code requires a series of procedures to be followed by workers and employers before a strike is authorized. However, civil servants are not allowed to strike and therefore all public sector industrial actions are unauthorized. Both locally and foreign-owned businesses still lacked a full understanding of the labor code's provisions regarding the right to form labor unions.
b. The Right to Organize and Bargain Collectively
The law protects collective bargaining and it is freely practiced.
There are no restrictions on collective bargaining; unions are allowed to bargain for wages above the minimum wage set by the Wage Advisory Board. However, a majority of employers will bargain only with unions that represent at least 50 percent of their staff. The Labor Commissioner's Office reported that the unions were too weak to bargain effectively. Government approval was not required for collective agreements to be valid.
The law prohibits antiunion discrimination and other employer interference in union functions, and the government generally enforced this prohibition. Textile and apparel unions claimed that members are sometimes treated unfairly to compel them to leave. The Ministry of Labor and Employment claimed workers often believed they were dismissed for union involvement, but investigation revealed that often they were dismissed on grounds other than for union activities.
There are no export processing zones.
c. Prohibition of Forced or Compulsory Labor
The law prohibits all forms of forced or compulsory labor; however, there were reports that men and women were forced to work in domestic work, farm labor, and commercial sexual exploitation, according to the trafficking in persons report mentioned in the trafficking subsection. Sources within the Ministry of Labor and Employment's inspectorate reported that such practices occurred in private dwelling houses and on small farms or cattle posts which are outside the scope of the labor code, making them impossible to inspect.
Children often worked in herding, street vending, car washing, and domestic servitude, and sometimes as sex workers.
d. Prohibition of Child Labor and Minimum Age for Employment
There are laws to protect children from exploitation in the workplace; however, these laws only apply to labor in the formal economy. The labor code contains prohibitions against the employment of children and young persons in commercial, industrial, or other nonfamily enterprises involving hazardous or dangerous working conditions. The government and its agents generally enforced these statutes. However, officials in the Ministry of Labor and Employment's inspectorate stated that child labor is a problem in the agricultural and other informal sectors, which child labor laws do not cover. The inspectorate has no mandate to inspect informal establishments, which are outside the scope of the labor code.
The labor code defines a "child" as a person under the age of 15, and according to the Bureau of Statistics (BOS) the legal minimum age for employment in commercial or industrial enterprises is 15 years, or 18 years for hazardous employment. Although the labor code prohibits child labor in the formal sector, the high unemployment rate, which the BOS estimated at 22.7 percent, increasing levels of poverty, and the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS (23 percent) all contribute towards children working at an early age in order to support themselves and their families. The majority of trade unions estimated unemployment to be between 40 and 50 percent. They attributed that to the loss of jobs in the textile and garments sector, which is the largest formal employer after the government.
The 2008 Integrated Labor Force Survey preliminary report published by the BOS stated that 3 percent of children aged 6-14 years were participating in economic activities, i.e., being paid in cash or in kind for their labor; this statistic did not include children aiding their families or others without such compensation. Two of every three of these children were engaged in subsistence farming, while the rest were engaged in other economic activities, mainly in private households. Child labor was higher among male children (86.6 percent of child workers) than their female counterparts (13.4 percent). This was true regardless of the type of economic activity considered. In traditional rural society, rigorous and occasionally dangerous working conditions for young herd boys were considered a prerequisite to manhood, essential to the livelihood of families, and a fundamental feature of local culture beyond the reach of labor laws.
According to the 2000 and 2004 reports produced by the Ministry of Labor and Employment in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners, the worst forms of child labor occur in herding, street work, domestic work, and sex work. Most jobs performed by children were often gender-specific: boys were livestock herders, carried packages for shoppers, washed cars, and collected fares for minibus taxis; girls were domestic servants; teenage girls (and a few boys) were involved in prostitution; and both boys and girls worked as street vendors.
Unlike in the past, there were no reports that young children, mostly orphaned or deserted, were forced to work very long hours at cattle posts and were poorly fed.
The labor survey indicates that children working in the streets typically start at the age of 12. The most common work they do is selling fruits and vegetables. Children work more than eight hours a day, which is the maximum stipulated in the law for an adult. They also work without breaks six or seven days a week. Domestic workers also start as young as 12 years.
The Ministry of Labor and Employment and the CGPU are responsible for investigating child labor. However, the Labor Commissioner's Office indicated that it is difficult to track cases of child labor because the country does not have any program or strategy specific to child labor.
The Labor Commissioner's Office indicated that the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the CGPU, and the Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sports, and Recreation generally disseminated information on prevention of child labor as part of their other programs.
e. Acceptable Conditions of Work
There is a sector-specific national minimum wage and a general minimum wage.
The general minimum monthly wage varies from 812 to 844 maloti ($101 to $105). Examples of minimum monthly wages for other job categories include textile worker, 741 maloti ($93); construction worker, 990 maloti ($124); security guard, 982 maloti ($123); food service worker, 946 maloti ($118); and domestic worker, 304 maloti ($38).
Minimum wages are updated every October 1, through the amended labor code minimum wage schedule. The national minimum wage did not provide a decent standard of living for a worker and family. In September textile workers asked the parliamentary portfolio committee (the committee responsible for labor issues) to request that parliament urgently intervene and help improve their "miserable working conditions and meager wages," stating that the minimum wage should be increased to 1,500 maloti ($188) per month.
The Wage Advisory Board determines the minimum wage for different occupation groups annually. The board includes representatives from the government, trade unions, and the Employers Association. The minimum wage is negotiated, taking into consideration the economic situation, exchange rate, trade matters, and inflation for the year.
Many locally owned businesses did not keep records of employees' salaries to facilitate labor inspections as required by law. Many wage earners supplemented their income through subsistence agriculture or remittances from relatives in South Africa, although these remittances had declined.
The law stipulates standards for hours of work, including a maximum 45-hour work week, a weekly rest period of at least 24 hours, a daily minimum rest period of one hour, at least 12 days of paid leave per year, paid sick leave, and public holidays.
Required overtime was legal as long as overtime wages were paid for work in excess of the standard 45-hour workweek. The maximum overtime allowed was 11 hours per week; however, there were exemptions under special circumstances. Labor laws do not, however, cover the agricultural and other informal sectors, where most workers are employed. The Ministry of Labor and Employment's inspectorate stated that employers did not always enforce these standards. According to the labor commissioner, employers in the retail sector were the worst violators. The most common allegations involved ignoring labor regulations mandating ordinary hours of work, overtime, and public holidays.
The law requires employers to provide adequate light, ventilation, and sanitary facilities for employees and to install and maintain machinery in a manner to minimize injury; larger employers generally followed these regulations. However, health and safety violations were common in smaller establishments and some factories. For instance, textile workers from five factories petitioned the parliament in September for urgent intervention to improve their "miserable working conditions" in the factories. Among their concerns was an allegation that factories did not provide face masks, which exposed them to a health risk.
The labor code requires employers to appoint a registered health and safety officer to supervise and promote safe conduct at work. They are also required to have first aid kits and safety equipment and to provide protective clothing. According to health and safety inspectors in the Ministry of Labor and Employment, most employers failed to appoint or train registered health and safety officers. Also, the law does not specify the contents of first aid kits. With the exception of the mining establishments, employers' compliance on health and safety was generally low. In addition, health and safety inspectors stated that employers in the retail sector were not in full compliance with health and safety standards, as they had no registered health or safety officers, complete first aid kits, or protective clothing.
The labor code empowers the Ministry of Labor and Employment to issue regulations on work safety, and the ministry did so. The labor code does not explicitly protect the right of workers to remove themselves from hazardous situations without prejudice to employment. However, sections of the code on safety in the workplace and dismissal imply that such a dismissal would be illegal. The law also provides for a compensation system for industrial injuries and diseases related to employment.
The commissioner of labor is charged with investigating allegations of labor law violations. Labor inspectors generally conducted unannounced inspections of a random sample of workplaces on a weekly basis. Inspections in mountain districts, however, were done on a quarterly basis.
The government and private sector implemented voluntary HIV/AIDS counseling and testing programs in line with Labor Code Act Number 5, which strengthened existing programs. The Labor Code Amendment Act of 2006 provides for the further development of HIV/AIDS policies in the workplace. The Ministry of Labor and Employment's HIV/AIDS Support Group was responsible for the rollout of the Labor Code Amendment Act countrywide and the translation of the act into Sesotho. The support group also provided testing and counseling services to employees in the private sector living with HIV/AIDS through funding support from the National Aids Commission. The target sector was transportation.
Working conditions for foreign or migrant workers were similar to those of residents.


First day of middle school in August 2006.
Last day of middle school June 2009. My, how things change and boys grow. High school. Really? High school in the fall? Nah. Can't be right. Wasn't that long ago that I was carrying that little tiny fella around. Weighing 12 pounds on his first birthday! Yes, only 12 pounds.
I have a daughter the same age, and it is an amazing change in those 3 years of middle school! You have a handsome young man there! One of my pet peeves is 'your' being used instead of 'you're', I am surprised that a school made that mistake!
Personally I like "grders" in the second pic...our boy has certainly grown!!! I'm really glad you did this!
I couldn't help but notice the Viking head on the sign. It's the perfect school for your children that are MN Viking fans!


Talk SHOW & Performance Informations.
Film Screening & Art Exhibition Schedule Released!
The Vine Award 2015 at the Kyoto International Film and Art Festival Reveals Various Worlds in Just 6 Seconds!
Yuichi Kimura's Documentary "We Want to Laugh (tentative name)" Unveiled!
"What happens if a script by a remarkable writer was directed by a remarkable director?"


text:
Q: Need Clarifications in iPhone Sensors Is it possible to get the details like:

*

*The name and model number of the sensor

*The maximum range of the sensor in the sensor's unit.

*Power consumption of the sensor.

*The name of the vendor that provides the sensor.

Will Apple provide this all information through coding? Please guide me in this.
Thanks in advance.

A: Apple does not provide such information in any form, what is known comes from 3rd parties that disassemble and analyze the devices.
Check sites such as Chipworks, iFixIt and AnandTech.
Also offshore publications that speculate on what vendors are supplying Apple.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Get Active in these exceptionally comfortable leggings!
Made with exercise in mind you will notice the firm stretch and support of this easy to wear and care for garment.
Features mid length waistband which can be folded down or up for extra support where you need it.
Good snug fit but not really suitable or comfortable if you plan on sweating in your workouts. Would have preferred a Lycra type material for more active wear. But good everyday maternity tight.


text:
is a retired male long-distance runner from Japan. His personal best at the marathon distance was 2:10:30 at the 1983 Fukuoka Marathon.

Competition record

See also
List of 5000 metres national champions (men)

References

1952 births
Living people
Japanese male long-distance runners
Japanese male marathon runners
Asian Athletics Championships winners
Japan Championships in Athletics winners

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Final defendant pleads guilty in Robstown-based heroin conspiracy
A Corpus Christi man pleaded guilty today in federal court to conspiracy with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin and conspiracy to launder money.
According to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick, 46-year-old Jesus Gutierrez was part of a significant, long-term heroin distribution ring operating in Robstown.
Gutierrez was the final member of 10-defendants being tried in the case.
Patrick says evidence showed that on Oct. 4, 2017, authorities seized approximately a kilogram of heroin and almost $100,000 during the arrests related to this investigation.
According to Patrick, the evidence presented demonstrated that Gutierrez and his nephew, Enrique Gutierrez Jr., regularly obtained kilogram quantities of heroin during the conspiracy which was then distributed to the case's other defendants.
The overall scope of the conspiracy was estimated to be between 10-30 kilograms of heroin, Patrick said.
The conspiracy operated between April 2016 and October 2017, according to the evidence presented to the court.
Previously, Gutierrez Jr., 31, of Sandia, Louie Molina, 36, of Robstown, Arturo Garcia, 55, of Mathis, Michael Flores, 36, of Robstown, and Jesus Leal Jr., 34, of Robstown, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.
Gutierrez Jr. also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder drug money as did Renee Gutierrez, 37, of Corpus Christi. Tim Molina, 34, of Robstown, Sakhone Chanhrattana, 35, of Jarrell, and Javier Ramirez, 52, of Alice, entered their pleas to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Sentencing for Gutierrez has been set for Aug. 8. He faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for the conspiracy and a maximum of 20 years for the money laundering.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Introductions and Rides
New old z owner
By Paplein260, January 30, 2009 in Introductions and Rides
Paplein260 0
As I was 6 months into my waiting list for my '73 Z, I drove by another local dealer and saw the most beautiful Z I'd ever seen. Sterling Silver early 260Z and still on the car carrier. I made a barely legal u-turn and inquired about its status. Extra shipment, all mine 2 hours later. Well as far as love at first site, we were still in the afterglow 13 years later when I had to sell it for parts. Dang midwest winters ate up the body as was so common to a daily driver. 97.000 miles and the engine was super strong and tight still. That's why it hurt so much to part with it. With the proceeds of the sale, bought an '87 200SX and kept it for 18 years. It too was mechanically sound, and the body showed no rust. Victim of a crack-head rear ending it outside my home one night in 2005. Of course he was driving a 75 Buick Riviera, a tank. So much for my sports car stage. Went out and bought a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 to surround myself in metal. With my old Z a distant memory, in Dec of 2005 my son saw an add on Carsoup.com for a late '74. Back in the saddle again! Had it in the shop for it's first six months getting a 5 speed put in to replace the automatic. Replaced the flat tops with Webers and new brakes all around. The body was in great shape with small areas of pop-corn rust. After the mechanical work, we had the body work done, a new dogleg for the passenger side and repainted the original 305 Blue. Replaced the dented hood with and original Nissan from Japan. Since it's been out of the shop, my son and I have taken it back to as original as possible, many small replacements. The original AM-FM radio was found and reinstalled with the electronic antennae. My next project was reconditioning for old 5 slot Shelby Cal 500 mags for it. New bumpers and rubber trim all around. It is a beauty, even with the BigBumpers which still detract from the lines, but wanted to go as original as possible. Might consider putting round tops back on it in the future. Although it runs like a top, one problem developed. It has a hairline crack in the block which leaks a small amount of coolant. I know that it won't get better on own. I've tried all the block sealants, ceramic and such, but looks like I'll have to replace it someday. Thanks for looking! Mike
Edited January 30, 2009 by Paplein260
whamo 0
Camas, Washington, United States
Nice looking car. As far as the leak goes,I would start looking for a rebuildable shortblock. An engine replacement is a snap in these cars.
ajmcforester 9
Take the block to a really good engine restorer many times a cracked block can be repaired, but you need some of the best to do it. I swapped an engine in my truck and the truck never felt the same, and I loved that truck.
Another point is these engines lasted longer than the car so you can find a lot of good engine blocks in the junk yards. I don't know a Z guy that would blame you for taking out the flattops they are bad compared to the other SUs. By the way I do like your car when I restore my current one I think I'll put some pictures up also.
EuroDat
lenponz
charliekwin


25 years' experience operating plant machinery.
Experience includes large road projects, chemical works, drainage, foundations as well as drive ways and garden renovation.
The 1.8-ton mini digger is a versatile machine and is stronger than most mini diggers for hire which are usually around the 1.5-ton mark but has the retractable tracks (1M) to all access to tight spots, ideal for gardens and driveways.
The machine is equipped with auxiliary hydraulic pipes for using attachments such as a concrete breaker, tilt bucket for technical batter work or an auger (e.g. for fencing posts).
The machine is available both with operator and self-drive, it can be delivered or picked up to suit the customers' requirements.
Please contact 07779158909 mobile or 01765 635212 24/7. For queries or quotes – Including emergencies.


text:
package world.bilo.stack.internal;

import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.Collection;
import java.util.Iterator;
import java.util.LinkedList;
import java.util.List;

import world.bilo.stack.Block;
import world.bilo.stack.BlockId;

public class BlockRepository implements Iterable<Block>, BlockStateListener {
  private final BlockFactory factory;
  private List<Block> blocks = new LinkedList<>();

  public BlockRepository(BlockFactory factory) {
    this.factory = factory;
  }

  @Override
  public void blocks(List<BlockId> valid) {
    List<Block> oldBlocks = blocks;
    blocks = new LinkedList<>();

    for (BlockId id : valid) {
      Block block = find(id, oldBlocks);
      if (block == null) {
        block = factory.produce(id);
      }

      blocks.add(block);
    }
  }

  private Block find(BlockId id, Collection<Block> blocks) {
    for (Block block : blocks) {
      if (block.getId().equals(id)) {
        return block;
      }
    }
    return null;
  }

  @Override
  public Iterator<Block> iterator() {
    return blocks.iterator();
  }

  public List<Block> items() {
    return new ArrayList<Block>(blocks);
  }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
using System;
using System.Linq;
using System.Web;

using ASC.Core;
using ASC.Core.Tenants;
using ASC.Web.Core.Files;
using ASC.Web.Studio.PublicResources;
using ASC.Web.Studio.UserControls.Management;
using ASC.Web.Studio.UserControls.Statistics;
using ASC.Web.Studio.Utility;

namespace ASC.Web.Studio
{
    public partial class Tariffs : MainPage
    {
        protected override bool MayNotPaid
        {
            get { return true; }
            set { }
        }

        protected override void OnPreInit(EventArgs e)
        {
            base.OnPreInit(e);

            if (CoreContext.Configuration.Personal)
                Context.Response.Redirect(FilesLinkUtility.FilesBaseAbsolutePath);

            if (!TenantExtra.EnableTariffSettings)
                Response.Redirect("~/", true);

            var isAdmin = CoreContext.UserManager.IsUserInGroup(SecurityContext.CurrentAccount.ID, ASC.Core.Users.Constants.GroupAdmin.ID);
            if (!isAdmin && (TariffSettings.HidePricingPage || CoreContext.Configuration.Standalone))
                Response.Redirect("~/", true);

            if (CoreContext.Configuration.Standalone && TenantControlPanelSettings.Instance.LimitedAccess)
                Response.Redirect("~/", true);

            if (TenantExtra.EnableControlPanel && !CoreContext.Configuration.CustomMode)
                Response.Redirect(TenantExtra.GetTariffPageLink(), true);
        }

        protected void Page_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            Master.DisabledSidePanel = true;

            if (TenantStatisticsProvider.IsNotPaid())
            {
                Master.TopStudioPanel.DisableProductNavigation = true;
                Master.TopStudioPanel.DisableSettings = true;
                Master.TopStudioPanel.DisableSearch = true;
                Master.TopStudioPanel.DisableGift = true;
            }

            Title = HeaderStringHelper.GetPageTitle(Resource.Tariffs);

            if (Request.DesktopApp())
            {
                Master.DisabledTopStudioPanel = true;
                pageContainer.Controls.Add(LoadControl(TariffDesktop.Location));
            }
            else if (CoreContext.Configuration.Standalone)
            {
                pageContainer.Controls.Add(LoadControl(TariffStandalone.Location));
            }
            else
            {
                if (CoreContext.Configuration.CustomMode)
                {
                    pageContainer.Controls.Add(LoadControl(TariffCustom.Location));
                }
                else
                {
                    pageContainer.Controls.Add(LoadControl(TariffSaas.Location));
                }

                var payments = CoreContext.PaymentManager.GetTariffPayments(TenantProvider.CurrentTenantID).ToList();
                if (payments.Any()
                    && !TenantExtra.GetTenantQuota().Trial
                    && CoreContext.UserManager.IsUserInGroup(SecurityContext.CurrentAccount.ID, ASC.Core.Users.Constants.GroupAdmin.ID))
                {
                    var tariffHistory = (TariffHistory)LoadControl(TariffHistory.Location);
                    tariffHistory.Payments = payments;
                    pageContainer.Controls.Add(tariffHistory);
                }
            }
        }
    }
}


text:
Q: positional projection cannot be used with a literal error in mongo 4.4 I have a query that was working with older version:
await this.model.findOne({ userEmail, 'environments.envId': envId },{ 'environments.$': envId })

But I get error here at environments.$. I am not finding anything related to this error on web.

A: With $ projections You can only use a number. The following code will work:
await this.model
    .findOne({
         userEmail,
         'environments.envId': envId
    },
    {
         'environments.$': 1
    })

more info here:
https://docs.mongodb.com/manual/reference/operator/projection/positional/


text:
Learn how to transfer a registered nursing license to New York (NY)
Written by Nurses Link on January 17th, 2013
Nurses who hold an RN license from another state and wish to transfer to New York can only do this through the endorsement program. This is because New York does not belong to the National Licensure Compact Agreement thus the New York State Board of Nursing has set some prerequisites that must be fulfilled before allowing the transfer of an RN license to the state. The state endorsement program enables nurses to get the New York RN licensure without having to redo the licensing exam. In New York, the time one takes to get an endorsement license varies as it is influenced by various factors that are beyond control. However, there are certain conditions that must be fulfilled before you can get this endorsement license.
Mandatory Training
It's mandatory for all prospective registered nurses in New York to undertake a course approved by the state that helps in recognizing child abuse signs. This course is available online where you can study on your own and there is also the classroom-based option. Only 3.25 hours are required to complete this course. The RN is also expected to undertake the state approved classes in infection control of Hepatitis B and HIV before getting the endorsement license. This course is also available online and in the classroom and takes 3.25 hours to complete.
Verification of Nursing Credentials
The New York State Board of Nursing must directly verify the student's credentials from the board that issued the license. There is an online system— NURSYS—where several nursing boards accept requests of verification. Students with licenses from NURSYS are expected to fill an online form, which is available from a website that is supported by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. These requests for verification are forwarded to the respective states, which later mails the credentials to New York. Students from states that do not belong to NURSYS must find a way to request for verification since an endorsement license cannot be issued without authentication of credentials.
Completion of Application
All RNs expecting to get the endorsement license must fill the application that is found on the New York State Board of Nursing website. It is mandatory for the application to be notarized before it is handed in. The RNs are expected to send the official transcripts from their diploma, certificate or degree training. The board must get all the proper documentation to start the licensing process and sometimes delays are inevitable as the school you attended must mail the transcripts requested.
All endorsement candidates must undergo a thorough personal and criminal background check, which is carried out by the New York State Board of Nursing. Candidates with criminal convictions may be denied licensure although this depends on the kind of crime committed. Also, those who have been subjected to disciplinary action due to patient neglect or abuse are automatically denied the endorsement licensure. The state is keen on protecting patients from nurses engaged in abuse, neglect or criminal activities.


text:
Title: The short and medium term effects of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) on coagulation, fibrinolysis and renal function in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms
Author: Abdelhamid, Mohamed Farouk Aly
Awarding Body: University of Birmingham
Current Institution: University of Birmingham
http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/7581/
Background: Previous reports described activation of the haemostatic mechanism in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Both open and endovascular repair of AAA affect the haemostatic markers. Cystatin C is sensitive endogenous marker of renal function that is strongly associated with cardiovascular outcomes. Aim: To establish the medium-term effects of endovascular and open aneurysm repair on coagulation, fibrinolysis and renal function. Patients and Methods: Twenty-nine patients completed twelve months follow-up after EVAR, eleven patients were recruited after they had open aneurysm repair and eight age-matched control were recruited. Patients were tested for markers of coagulation, fibrinolysis and renal function pre-operatively and at 1, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Results: Pre-operatively, PF1+2 levels were significantly higher in patients with AAA. PF1+2 levels post-EVAR and post-OAR were significantly lower than pre-operative values and similar to AMC. There was no significant difference in TAT, PAI, or t-PA between AMC, AAA preoperatively, and post-EVAR. Post-OAR, PAI activity was significantly higher than pre-operatively. 24 hours after procedure, a significant increase in Cystatin C and serum creatinine (sCr) and significant decrease in eGFR were seen. Cystatin C increased significantly at 1, 6 and 12 months. Conclusion: AAA is associated with increased thrombin generation without up-regulation of fibrinolysis. The pro-thrombotic, hypo-fibrinolytic diathesis returns toward normal in the medium term after EVAR and OAR. EVAR is associated with a significant increase in Cystatin C 24 hours after the procedure and is maintained for 12 months. sCr and eGFR show significant change at 24 hours.
Qualification Name: Thesis (M.D.) Qualification Level: Doctoral
Keywords: R Medicine (General)


"Being something of a technophobe and a secret 21st Century Luddite, I am very pleased to have Mike Caddy on my side, to guide me though the minefield that is 'Website'.
As a creative person himself (see www.vitreus-art.co.uk) he understands the needs of artists and has directed me through the setting up and management of my Website without any of the distress and vast expenses that I had anticipated when first thinking of investing in this project.
His terms are very reasonable and I have received many compliments on the ease with which the public have been able to enter and navigate the site.
I have even learned some of the jargon!!"
Most of my packages include regular HTML emails sent to your email list.
My blog on Art & Marketing covers a wide range of subjects of interest to artists and craftspeople, sometimes, serious, sometimes irreverent.
Visit my stained glass website for an example of a recently refreshed site with rich content and e-commerce both for selling art and taking bookings for workshops.
For www.jeremywhiteceramics, a clean look was called for, highlighting four key areas, and allowing for expansion later.
Since the original design several new sections have been added without disturbing the original look of the site.
For Julie Lue's website, Julie had some specific ideas about layout, colours, and a font for her 'signature' logo. The tone of the site is 'cooler' than my own sites, but, again, that was the preference of the client.
Julie creates high-end bespoke art for commission, and a key objective of the site was to communicate the detailed process of incorprating the client's ideas in to the final artwork.
May Ayres creates powerful, though-provoking, socially observant art with stong messages.
May provided a series of ideas for her site drawn from a range of inspirations, but the resulting site is 100% May. Dark, intense, and featuring a number of reduced-colour and black-and-white images, the site communicates the gravitas of the work. The site also includes custom slideshows created to act as a retrospective for a high-profile exhibition featuring more than 50 individual images woven together.
This site for By Hand Books was created along a simple theme under time pressure - the client's existing site hadn't been updated but the original web designer was no longer able to work on the site. The brief was to build a new site, including shooting a significant amount of new photography in just a few weeks, to go live before a major art event.
The site layout was created to allow the display of a large range of work without any individual pages becoming unwieldy or visually confusing.
If you're ready to find out about my website packages, visit the Your New Website page. For further info and answers to questions you may have, please see my FAQ page.


Monitoring and reporting should be regular, but a mid-term mindset is critical to see the overall results over time. Panicking and switching approach without due diligence is not recommended. Like the stock market, you will enjoy highs and lows, but the consistent growth in your brand and project goals is the key to success.
The most successful companies use data analysis and insight from adjacent industries to continually assess and then regularly revisit the goals versus the projected financial returns on investment.
Remember the famous saying, only 20 percent of your ad spend will work and as everyone asks, "What's the 20 percent, can I target them?". Obviously, we all want the magic 20, however reality is that a consistent and mid to long term growth strategy is one that will return the most value.
70% of people would rather learn about a company through articles than ads.
Three out of four consumers never scroll past the first page of search results.
For every dollar spent on email marketing, an average of $44 ROI is realized.
Visual content is more than 40X more likely to get shared on social media.
A delay of one second in landing page response time can result in a 7% drop in conversions.


Looking To Get An Edge Up On Your Game Of Paintball?
If you love paintball, you know the key to a successful battle is a solid strategy and a quality paintball marker. But how can you get that practical paintball warfare experience as a beginner?
One of the best training grounds for expanding your paintball experience is with laser paintball. Haven't heard of laser paintball?
It's a version of paintball often played by younger players or those just learning the sport. Laser paintball is generally considered safer. It is actually very similar to traditional paintball warfare, except instead of shooting paintballs, players use a laser marker combined with high pressure air. When shot, the target looks like it has been shot, but doesn't feel the sting - or the stain - of a traditional paintball hit. You'll also save a lot of money on spent paintballs – and laundry! Many knowledgeable brick and mortar and online paintball stores can tell you more about laser paintball.
As a training aid, laser paintball is an ideal way to learn the strategy, maneuvering, tactics and weaponry used in typical paintball games. It directly translates to the more traditional game of paintball, and provides a good groundwork from which you can build as a new player.
Another aid that can be of help to new players is a laser sight. A laser sight is an accessory that attaches to a paintball marker and shoots a visible red or green laser light at a certain distance. This allows the shooter to more precisely aim and see where the paintball will hit.
Depending upon the paintball marker the laser sight is attaching to, it may be mounted over or under the barrel. The laser is normally angled downward (when mounted over the paintball barrel) or angled upward (when mounted under the paintball barrel) slightly to point in the exact place where the paintball will strike. A laser sight will be matched to a paintball gun by way of technical specifications and compatibility; you'll want to ensure the laser sight you purchase is compatible with the paintball gun it will be placed upon, and their maximum distances will be compatible.
You might wonder how a laser sight works at a greater distance. All laser sights have defined maximum distances. Even at the far end of that distance range, the laser is still visible on the target object. This is possible because of the low light divergence generated by the sight's laser diode.
At night, however, a typical laser sight is not as visible. For this, a laser sight with an infrared diode may be used. It shoots a beam of light and a spot that is generally invisible to the naked eye. It is visible however with night vision enabled scopes and goggles.
If you are new to the sport of paintball or are working to improve you overall shooting, consider a laser sight. When buying a paintball marker, review the available accessories; many offer laser sight options. A skilled representative from brick and mortar or online paintball stores can provide valuable input and steer you in the right direction.
As with any sport, "practice makes perfect" – and paintball is certainly no different. Get yourself into the game by assimilating yourself with good, experienced players you can learn from; choosing the right paintball marker and accessories; and practicing in whatever manner works best for you.
Red Dot Paintball is both a brick and mortar store and one of the finest online paintball stores. If you are searching for laser paintball as a training aid in the Tri-Cities Washington area, or looking or quality paintball markers, supplies, clothing and accessories at great prices, Red Dot Paintball has what you need. We even have the knowledge you are looking for to make an educated purchase. Phone us toll-free at 866-543-4382 for personal assistance.


text:
Almost all pregnant women admitted to intensive care with COVID-19 are unvaccinated
Researchers urge all governments to prioritise pregnant women as an at-risk group for COVID-19 vaccination
A new analysis led by the National Perinatal Unit (NPEU) at Oxford Population Health and published today in The Lancet Regional Health Europe has found that most pregnant women admitted to critical care with COVID-19 in Europe are unvaccinated. The findings are based on data from the International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems (INOSS), and combined data collected between May – December 2021 for six countries (the UK, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Italy).
The results showed that for all countries, at least 80% of pregnant women admitted to critical care with COVID-19 were unvaccinated. In the UK, the figure was 98%; for Norway, Finland and Denmark, 100% of pregnant women in critical care were unvaccinated. This was despite the fact that the proportion of pregnant women who had received at least one vaccine dose varied widely, from 20% in Italy to 80% in Norway.
Of the countries analysed in the study, England had the second lowest vaccination uptake in pregnant women, with only 22% having received at least one dose. Despite the UK Government making pregnant women a priority group for COVID-19 vaccination in December 2021, vaccine uptake among pregnant women remains a concern. With the Omicron variant now spreading rapidly, the research team stress that this needs to be urgently addressed, particularly as there is strong evidence that pregnant women are at a significantly higher risk of serious illness compared to non-pregnant women. In addition, severe COVID-19 increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, stillbirth and pregnancy loss.
According to the research team, vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy may be fuelled by conflicting messages and misleading information on vaccine safety on social media. This has been made worse by pregnant women being excluded from most clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines and medication, despite very clear pre-pandemic guidance. Nevertheless, data from observational studies (collectively over 250,000 women) indicates that COVID-19 vaccines are highly safe for pregnant women, and effective in preventing severe illness. Furthermore, they may also provide additional protection to the foetus, such as transfer of protective antibodies across the placenta.
Although the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women clearly outweigh the risks, in many countries across the world pregnant women are still not a priority group for vaccination (including Italy, Finland and Denmark). Consequently, large numbers of pregnant women in low, middle and high-income settings have yet to receive even a single vaccination dose. The researchers, along with organisations including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, are now calling for all governments to prioritise pregnant women for COVID-19 vaccines.
Marian Knight, Professor of Maternal and Child Population Health at Oxford Population Health, who led the study, said: 'These multi-country findings emphasise the message to unvaccinated pregnant women, their partners, health professionals caring for pregnant women, decision makers and politicians that vaccination protects against severe disease. As we enter a new phase of the COVID-pandemic, with the Omicron variant rapidly becoming dominant, booster vaccinations are increasingly important to protect vulnerable groups such as pregnant women against severe COVID-19. We believe that all governments should now prioritise pregnant women as an at-risk group and encourage them to be vaccinated.'
Dr Edward Morris, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: 'We have high-quality evidence to reassure pregnant women that COVID-19 vaccination is safe at any stage of pregnancy, and for anyone planning a pregnancy. This includes the booster dose, which can safely be given three months after the second dose to ensure that a good level of protection is maintained. The spread of misinformation particularly online has significantly added to vaccine hesitancy amongst those who are pregnant, however we agree that if all governments place pregnant women in an at-risk vaccination group, this will send a clear message that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe in pregnancy, and are the best way to protect both mother and baby from COVID-19.'
© 2023 Nuffield Department of Population Health
NDPH Privacy Policy for Research Participants
Independence of research
Our advisory work: influencing policy
Skills training courses: terms and conditions
Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
Aspirin and other Anti-Platelet Drugs
Dementia and other Neurodegenerative Diseases
Diet, Nutrition and Obesity
Healthcare Economics
Health Ethics and Law
Kidney Disease and Diabetes
Patient Reported Outcomes and Experience
Perinatal Health
Big Data Institute (BDI)
Cancer Epidemiology Unit (CEU)
Sustainable Food, Diet and Non-Communicable Disease Prevention
Sustainable Food, Diet and NCD Prevention
Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit (CTSU)
ETHOX
Health Economics Research Centre (HERC)
Health Services Research Unit (HSRU)
Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit (MRC PHRU)
National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU)
Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities (WEH)
Public Advisory Panel
Richard Doll Consortium
RD Consortium website
Helex
Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit
China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB)
DPhil Population Health
DPhil in Population Health
DPhil induction
DPhil Structure
Part-time DPhil Structure
Choose a DPhil project
DPhil supervisors
Role of supervisors
Research Student Committee
MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology
MSc Induction
2023-24 Course Structure
Examinations, assessments and feedback
Location of MSc Teaching
NDPH Alumni
PG Certificate in Statistics and Epidemiology
NDPH Student Blog
Medical Sciences Teaching - Population Health, Ethics and Law
Examinations and assessments
Introduction to Epidemiology
Practical Statistics for Epidemiology using R
Clinical Practice Research Datalink
The role of remote technologies in healthcare
Dementia risk factors – untangling fact from fiction
Celebrating 15 years of UK Biobank
Large studies, small footprint
A tale of three trials: the impact of COVID-19 on clinical research
Our contribution to the COVID-19 response
Keeping your heart in the best possible health
Are plant-based diets good for your health and the planet?
How to set up a trial in nine days
Diet and cancer risk – tackling a meaty research topic
Healthy policies, healthy people
Hospital or 'hospital at home' – what's best for older people?
Every little helps – how we're transforming breast cancer survival
The only way is ethics
One in a million – the story of the Million Women Study
Statins: finding safety in numbers
Many hands make better trials: cutting cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease
Crossing continents – The China Kadoorie Biobank
Tiny lives
Where medicine meets mathematics
Balancing the benefits: radiation, radiotherapy and cancer risk


Our Metabolism is a set of chemical and physical changes that provide energy to grow, repair, reproduce and perform all the functions of the body. The food we eat goes through a number of biochemical changes to give us energy and sustain life. Our metabolism turns food into fuel, therefore food or nutrition is directly linked with metabolism. Any nutritional, hormonal or genetic deficiency or excess may lead to metabolic disturbances which may make a normal metabolic rate slow.
Hypothyroidism, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, weight gain, feeling bloated all the time, tiredness and sugar cravings are some of the outcomes of slow metabolism that may further lead to many life threatening chronic diseases. The rate at which our body eliminates waste also affects our skin as all metabolic activities in the body produce free radicals which damage the skin.


James and Indurance met in Dallas, Texas at One Community Church. James worked at the church as an intern for Dr. Conway Edwards and Indurance volunteered with the media ministry. They learned they shared a passion for giving back to those around the world who are in desperate need, and helping people see a better future. They got married March 19, 2011 and spent their honeymoon in Honduras on a service trip. God worked in their hearts and prepared them to care for people around the world.
In the summer of 2012 the Myer's moved to Austin to join Pastor Chris Plekenpol and be a part of Wells Branch Community Church . It is here 1520 unreached was conceived and launched. Within two years an opportunity opened in Tanzania for the first global expedition. Tanzania is one of poorest 20 countries in the world with several pockets of unreached people groups. There is a tremendous need for education, agricultural development, and leadership training. James, Indurance, and their son Moses permanently moved to Tanzania in the Summer of 2014 and launched their ministry.The Myer's welcomed their second son, Abel, in August 2016.
The Myer's home base is in Boko, a town about 25 minutes outside of Dar es Salaam and approximately 1 ½ hours from the Zaramo. The area is a mixture of small shacks and brick and cement homes. Because of the high incidence of petty crime, all larger homes are gated. There is one main, paved road going into the city. Small shops line the streets and buses fill the road, being the primary mode of transportation. Small markets are located every couple of kilometers and local merchants line the streets behind wooden tables selling various items. Every day there are children walking to and from school. Women busy themselves cooking, washing clothes, carrying water, and caring for children. Men work outside the home, with many being casual laborers. Life takes places outside mainly, with very few daylight hours spent inside the home because of the heat. Most homes, primarily small shacks, do not have electricity or running water.


Our Mediterranean Holiday Suggestions for you!
Malta is often considered to be the Mediterranean country that offers the best diving in the region. Only a short flight from the UK, you can be a world away in a matter of hours. Air Malta offer regional departures and fly daily whilst a wide range of hotels of all standard are available to suit every budget.
If you want to see all that a Sardinian holiday has to offer both above the water and below it then Scuba Travels dive resort is the right option for your next scuba diving holiday! Spend your days enjoying some of the best Mediterranean diving there is and once the diving is done, kick back and enjoy a BBQ on the terrace as the sun sets over brilliant blue sea. For dry days, you will find a host of land activities to compliment your scuba diving adventures. Take a tour round the walled city or relax on the beach. Non divers and families will not be bored. And all of this is just a couple of hours from the UK... which means Sardinia and Capo Galera have all the right ingredients for a holiday that ticks all the boxes.