SECTOR 1 1.4 Government makes every effort to honour regional and international instruments on freedom of expression and the media. Panellists argued that “to honour” means implementing international instruments, and not just ratifying them. “The government signs agreements and then does not implement them, saying that they are not binding,” panellists noted. In Lesotho, the incorporation of international instruments into national law remains a prerogative of Cabinet. Parliament cannot call Cabinet to order on this. Further, when an international agreement favours government’s public profile, government will inform people about it through the media. Otherwise, little is said about what government officials get up to beyond the country’s borders. “The media are more lapdogs than watchdogs” However, the lack of communication or coverage about the international instruments that government enters into, is also partly due to journalists’ lack of professionalism. Reporters know, for example, when the Prime Minister has attended an event overseas. Despite this, it is rare that they follow up on what happened on such trip and what the implications of any agreements signed may have for the country - let alone the media. “Journalists just announce things, but never get to the nitty-gritty of what they are about.” As a result, government does not feel obliged to say anything. “The media are more lapdogs than watchdogs,” a panellist declared. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 1.0 (2008 =n/a ; 2006 = n/a) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2010 15