(KPL) A Lao delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Thongphane Savanphet, participated in the review of Laos’ national report under the fourth round of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism at the 49th session of the UPR Working Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on April 29.

The session was chaired by Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland and Vice President of the UNHRC.

The Lao delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Mission of the Lao PDR to the UN in Geneva, as well as officials from the National Assembly, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Lao Women’s Union.

The review was supported by a troika of three countries—Burundi, Chile, and the Marshall Islands—tasked with facilitating recommendations.

Lao PDR Highlights Progress in Human Rights

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Thongphane Savanphet, who is also Vice Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, emphasized the importance of the UPR mechanism in promoting human rights through transparent, constructive dialogue based on mutual respect, equality, and state sovereignty.

He outlined Laos’ achievements since its third UPR review in 2020, including constitutional amendments (2025) strengthening democracy; administrative reforms; legal advancements in human rights protection, aligning with international commitments; and progress in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in poverty reduction, education, healthcare, gender equality, climate resilience, and social welfare.

He highlighted enhanced rights for women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, alongside press freedom, civil society engagement, and anti-human trafficking efforts; as well as international cooperation in human rights and socio-economic development.

Deputy Minister Thongphane reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to peace, development, and human rights, ensuring that all citizens enjoy fundamental freedoms in line with national laws and international obligations.

UN Member States Applaud Lao PDR’s Efforts

During the review, 90 UN member states commended Laos’ progress and submitted 257 recommendations covering civil and political rights, economic, social, and cultural rights, gender equality, environmental protection, and governance reforms.

The Lao delegation provided detailed responses, clarifying concerns and reaffirming the government’s dedication to human rights promotion and protection.

Adoption of Report and Next Steps

On May 2, 2025, under the presidency of Jürg Lauber, Chair of the UNHRC, the Lao delegation attended the adoption of the draft report, consolidated by the troika countries. The final recommendations will be reviewed, and Laos will announce its position on the 257 proposals during the 60th session of the UNHRC in September 2025.

UPR Mechanism

Established in 2006, the UPR is a peer-review process where all 193 UN member states undergo human rights assessments every 4.5 years. The Lao PDR has participated in four cycles (2010, 2015, 2020, and 2025), demonstrating its commitment to international human rights standards.

KPL