Madam Chair,

1. At the outset, my delegation wishes to congratulate you and the other members of the Bureau on your election. Please be assured of my delegation's full support and cooperation throughout the work of this Committee.
2. The Lao PDR commends the Secretary-General for his report on strengthening and coordinating United Nations rule of law activities, as contained in document A/80/99.  We firmly believe that the rule of law is fundamental to the three pillars of the United Nations, namely peace and security, development and human rights. Upholding the rule of law at both the national and international levels is essential for promoting justice, equality and respect for human rights, as well as advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
3. My delegation is of the view that strengthening the rule of law at the international level is a shared responsibility of all States. In this regard, we underscore the importance of full respect for the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Madam Chair,

4. At the national level, the Lao PDR attaches great importance to strengthening the rule of law and promoting good governance as essential foundations for sustainable development.  In this regard, the Government continues to strengthen its national legal and institutional framework, including through the implementation of the Five-Year Plan on the Development of New Laws and Amendment of Laws for 2026–2030, as well as the adoption and improvement of relevant laws and regulations.
5. These efforts are complemented by ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the effectiveness and professionalism of the justice system, enhancing institutional capacities and improving access to justice for all. The Government has also made continued efforts to enhance public legal awareness and improve access to justice, particularly for vulnerable groups and local communities.
6. Significant progress has been made in strengthening the national legal aid system, including through the expansion of legal aid services, capacity-building for legal professionals and relevant institutions, and the promotion of legal awareness and counselling services. The use of digital platforms has also contributed to improving public access to legal information and assistance. These efforts demonstrate the Lao PDR's continued commitment to promoting equal access to justice for all, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 16.

Madam Chair,

7. The rule of law remains essential to addressing global challenges, maintaining international peace and security, and advancing sustainable development. In this regard, we emphasize the importance of strengthening international cooperation, including through the exchange of experiences, lessons learned and best practices.
8. Despite the progress made, developing countries continue to face capacity and resource constraints in strengthening their legal and institutional systems. In this regard, we encourage the United Nations and development partners to continue providing capacity-building and technical assistance, particularly to least developed countries, in accordance with their national priorities and needs, while ensuring national ownership.
9. In conclusion, the Lao PDR reaffirms its commitment to working closely with all Member States and the United Nations to uphold the rule of law at both the national and international levels, strengthen multilateralism and advance sustainable development.

Thank you.