Accelerated capacity development for Lao PDR in international law

What is the project about?

In partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), this project seeks to strengthen Lao PDR’s engagement with and participation in the international legal system, particularly the international human rights system, through assisting treaty ratification and implementation. This includes education and training in international law (particularly human rights and humanitarian law) and compliance with reporting obligations.

What have we accomplished?

• This project provided comprehensive support to the implementation of 6 of the 9 major human rights treaties that Lao has ratified. This was done primarily through assistance with reporting under the relevant international covenants. 
  
• The project also supported the follow up on some of the 71 Universal Periodic Review recommendations Lao PDR accepted from member states.
• A self assessment review was conducted on the state of corruption in Lao PDR following the ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. 
  
• Staff of MoFA and line ministries received intensive training in international human rights law and English language. 
  
• National Assembly officials, judges, lawyers, prosecutors, prison officers, border officials and Labour Ministry officials have also been trained on international standards applicable to their professions, while junior officials were sent as interns to the Permanent Missions of Lao PDR to the UN in New York and Geneva.

Project documents

• Accelerated Capacity Development for Lao PDR in International Law

• Signature Page

• Project Brief 2012