Mr. Chair,
1. My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by Malaysia onbbehalf of ASEAN.
2. The Lao Government attaches great importance to the promotion and protection of human rights for all. In this regard, the fundamental rights, freedom, and obligations of all Lao citizens, including their political, economic, social, and cultural rights are enshrined in the Constitution of the Lao PDR and in line with the international human rights treaties. Furthermore, the key principles of human rights have been reflected in domestic laws and legislation to ensure the full enjoyment of those legitimate rights by all citizens.
Mr. Chair,
3. The Lao PDR is currently a state party to seven out of the nine core international human rights instruments, including the two optional protocols under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This year, the Lao PDR has made significant efforts in fulfilling the reporting requirements associated with these conventions. In this connection, we have successfully prepared the 10th Periodic Report on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination Against Women (CEDAW) and responded to the list of issues raised by the CEDAW Committee during its 89th Session. In addition, the Lao PDR has developed the Periodic Report on the Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and preparing to submit appropriate responses to the list of issues raised by the ICESCR Committee. Moreover, the Lao PDR has also submitted its 7th Periodic Report on the implementation of the CRC and is currently awaiting the list of issues from the Committee. Likewise, the Lao PDR is finalizing the draft Initial Report on the implementation of the Convention Against Torture (CAT), which will be submitted to the concerned Committee by the end of this year.
Mr. Chair,
4. To advance and further enhance these efforts, a series of workshops and seminars have been organized to disseminate useful information and guidelines for drafting national reports, including the Plan of Action for implementing the recommendations from the third UPR round. These are aimed at raising awareness among government officials at both central and provincial levels, particularly in preparation for the fourth UPR round scheduled for early 2025. To ensure effective implementation and coordination, the government has established national mechanisms to coordinate, monitor, and report on the implementation of the international conventions. These include the National Human Rights Committee, the National Commission for the Advancement of Women and Children, and the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly.
Mr. Chair
5. The Lao PDR reaffirms its commitment to fulfilling its international human rights obligations and enhancing collaboration with the UN and ASEAN human rights mechanisms. We remain steadfast in our adherence to the principles of transparency, impartiality, objectivity, nonselectivity, non-politicization, and the promotion of international dialogue and cooperation, all in alignment with our national priorities for the promotion and protection of human rights.
6. In conclusion, my delegation reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring equal rights and equitable policies for all Lao citizens. We continue to uphold a consistent policy that promotes and guarantees solidarity and equality among all multi-ethnic groups without any form of discrimination.
I thank you.
