Mr. Chair,

1. The Lao PDR attaches great importance to the promotion and protection of human rights. We consider the UPR as one of the most significant mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide.

2. To promote and protect human rights in the Lao PDR, the fundamental rights and obligations of Lao citizens as well as of aliens, stateless persons and foreigners have been enshrined in the Constitution of the Lao PDR and reflected in its domestic laws and regulations to guarantee their full enjoyment of legitimate rights before the Law.

Mr. Chair,

3. The fourth Cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the Lao PDR was adopted during the 60^th Session of the Human Rights Council in September this year. We received 257 recommendations from its Members and Observers. After consideration and considered the comment’s, the Government of the Lao PDR has formally informed the Council on its fully support of 189 recommendations, partially support of 7 recommendations and took note of 61 recommendations.

4. In addition, the Lao PDR has made significant efforts in fulfilling the reporting requirements under the seven of nine core international human rights instruments, and two optional protocols to which we are a state party. This year, we presented our Initial Report on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) at the 78^th Session of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR); the Lao PDR has successfully participated in interactive dialogues on the Initial Report under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the 10^th Periodic Report under the Convention on the Elimination Against Women (CEDAW). We have also submitted our 7^th Periodic Report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and its two Optional Protocols. Furthermore, we have approved our Initial Report under the Convention against Torture (CAT), which is expected to be submitted to the Committee against Torture in the near future, while also preparing our 19^th-25^th Combined Periodic Reports under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Form of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).

Mr. Chair, 

5. In conclusion, my delegation reaffirms its unwavering commitment to constructively engaging and cooperating with international and regional human rights mechanism to ensure equal rights and equitable policies for all and leave no one behind. We continue to uphold a consistent policy that promotes and guarantees solidarity and equality among all multi-ethnic groups without any form of discrimination, and ensures that the promotion and protection of human rights are implemented at all level throughout the country.

I thank you.