UNICEF Representative Pia Rebello Britto to the Lao PDR pays a courtesy visit to Minister of Justice Phayvy Siboualypha to work towards the realization of every child’s right to protection

(KPL) UNICEF Representative to the Lao PDR Pia Rebello Britto on Sep 9 paid a courtesy visit to Minister of Justice Phayvy Siboualypha.

During the meeting, Dr. Pia Rebello Britto congratulated Minister Phayvy Siboualypha on his appointment to the post. The two further discussed the partnership between UNICEF and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) to promote child protection in the Lao PDR as well as the ongoing activities between them, including the project on Community-based Diversion for Children in Conflict with the Law along, UNICEF’s support in the development of a training module on Child Rights and Child Justice for officials in the justice sector and training members of the Adoption Committee on the laws and procedures related to adoption.

Additionally, priorities for UNICEF’s new country programme 2022-2026 were also presented, with key points relevant to MOJ highlighted. These include updating the national legislative and policy framework on the Law on Protection of the Interests and Rights of Children, alongside the implementation of a child protection system model in Xieng Khuang, in collaboration with the Office of the People’s Supreme Prosecutor, Supreme Court, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, and other sectors.

“The Ministry of Justice looks forward to an even stronger partnership with UNICEF in the coming years to advocate for justice for children, which is one of the components of a sound child protection system,” stated the Minister of Justice.

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of the MOJ in ensuring that Lao children are safe and protected from the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures being implemented to control the spread of the virus. UNICEF remains committed to supporting the MOJ in creating an enabling environment for child protection in the country through the development and update of laws and legislations in the country to ensure alignment with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and international norms,” stated Dr. Pia Rebello Britto, UNICEF Representative to the Lao PDR. 

UNICEF has been working with the Ministry of Justice since 2005. MOJ is one of the key partners of the Child Protection Programme under the current Government of the Lao PDR.

KPL