Comment of The Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP) to the Government of Lesotho in response to Second Draft of the Artificial Intelligence Policy and Implementation Plan
This document is a formal comment by the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP) submitted to the Government of Lesotho on the Second Draft of the Artificial Intelligence Policy and Implementation Plan. CAIDP welcomes Lesotho's initiative to develop a national AI policy aligned with African Union and UNESCO standards. The submission provides four primary recommendations, urging the establishment of red lines against rights-violating AI systems, the adoption of UNESCO AI ethics assessment tools, mandatory requirements for transparency and accountability, and strengthened governance capacity for implementation.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Government officials and policy makers in Lesotho responsible for drafting and implementing the national AI policy and implementation plan.
What the document contains
The document addresses the Second Draft of Lesotho's National AI Policy and Implementation Plan, offering feedback on policy principles, alignment with international and African regional frameworks, and specific recommendations regarding prohibited AI uses, evaluation tools, mandatory transparency standards, and governance capacity.
It does not provide binding regulatory text, technical specifications for AI design, or detailed enforcement mechanisms outside of policy recommendations.
- CAIDP provided official comments on the Second Draft of Lesotho's National Artificial Intelligence Policy and Implementation Plan.
- The recommendations urge Lesotho to prohibit unacceptable AI applications such as social scoring, biometric categorization, and predictive policing.
- CAIDP encourages the adoption of UNESCO's Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA) tools.
- The document calls for mandatory rather than voluntary requirements for AI system transparency, explainability, and accountability.
- It emphasizes the need to build and strengthen domestic governance capacity to effectively implement national AI policy objectives.
· About CAIDP · Summary of Recommendations · Explanation of Recommendations 1. Establish Clear Red Lines Prohibiting AI Systems Violating Civil and Human Rights 2. Adopt UNESCO AI Ethics Assessment Tools To Uphold The Policy Guiding Principles 3. Establish Mandatory Requirements for AI System Transparency, Explainability and Accountability 4. Strengthen Governance Capacity in Implementing National AI Policy Plan
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
3/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
Establish Mandatory Requirements for AI System Transparency, Explainability, and Accountability.
Summary of Recommendations
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
3/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
In order to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability duly set in the Policy, we recommend Lesotho to implement both the RAM and EIA tools.
Recommendation 2
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
3/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
We urge the Government of Lesotho to designate systems that lack scientific validity and undermine human dignity and rights as ‘unacceptable’ AI systems.
Recommendation 1
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
0/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
0/5Protection of personal data and private life
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
3/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
Establish Mandatory Requirements for AI System Transparency, Explainability, and Accountability.
Summary of Recommendations
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
3/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
However, clear mandatory requirements instead of voluntary principles that ensure AI systems are transparent, explainable, and accountable are central to creating effective safeguards for users.
Recommendation 3
screening score · 2026-10-23