Mr. Chair,

1. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of ASEAN, and would like to highlight the following statements in its national capacity.

2. The Lao PDR remains fully committed to promoting and protecting the rights of children and regards them as among the top priorities for advancing inclusive social, economic, and sustainable development. Children’s rights and interests are safeguarded as articulated in domestic legislation aligned with the fundamental principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In July this year, in Geneva, the Lao PDR completed its seventh Periodic Report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Mr. Chair,

3. As we have reached the midpoint in the implementation of the SDGs, many countries have not yet fully recovered from the severe impacts caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with climate change, widespread armed conflicts, and socio-economic downturn, all of which continue to erode hard-earned development gains and jeopardize the well-being of children in many parts of the world.

4. In response to the ongoing multifaceted challenges, the Lao Government has given priority to providing quality social services and assistance for  children and vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities, girls and adolescents. In addition, the government has deployed its utmost efforts to advance the implementation of the second Five-Year National Plan of Action on the Prevention and Elimination of Violence against Women and Children (2021-2025). To combat violence against women and children remains a paramount priority for fostering inclusive social and sustainable development. In this context, the Counseling Centre for Women and Children has been established to provide in-person and online services for those who need immediate assistance and access to justice. This includes support for individuals at risk of human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual exploitation and abuse.

5. The Lao PDR has continued to promote the rights to education for all and the commitment to transform the education sector, improve access to digital and flexible learning approaches, and provide appropriate ICT infrastructure and internet access for school children in both urban and rural areas.

6. Likewise, the Lao government has been actively engaged in raising awareness about the detrimental effects of child marriage by disseminating necessary information to parents, students, and children across the country. In this respect, the mobile application called "Noi Yakhoo" provides a platform for information on sexual and reproductive health, as well as issues related to early adolescent marriage and pregnancy. Regarding early and forced marriage, the Lao PDR does not allow individuals under the age of 18 to enter into marriage. Forced marriage is a crime, and those who coerce a child into marriage are subject to prosecution under the Penal Code, which may result in a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment. In addition, the government has implemented the Strategy on Youth and Adolescent Development (2021-2030), aiming at addressing critical topics including early marriage, adolescent pregnancies, health, and nutrition.

Mr. Chair,

7. Despite significant progress made, numerous challenges remain to be addressed, particularly in narrowing the development gap between rural and urban areas, poverty eradication, enhancing capacity for national focal points, and mobilizing sufficient resources for implementing the national policy and plan of action at all levels.

8. I wish to conclude by reaffirming the Lao government’s commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of all children. We stand ready to work closely with all development partners, UN agencies, and other stakeholders in our common endeavor to improve the overall well-being of all children and leave no one behind. I thank you, Mr. Chair