Mr. President,

• The Lao PDR reaffirms its longstanding position that issues relating to human rights should be addressed through constructive, non-confrontational, and non-politicized dialogue, based on mutual respect and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

• It is our firm belief that all human rights mechanisms must carry out their mandates in an impartial, objective, and non-selective manner while respecting the authoritative information provided by the concerned states. Avoiding politicization and double standards is essential in fostering trust and cooperation, which are prerequisites for tangible progress.

• We continue to support efforts to promote genuine dialogue and cooperation between States and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). We encourage all stakeholders, including relevant UN human rights mechanisms, to provide technical assistance based on the request and consent of the state concerned, in support of national efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and improve the promotion and protection of human rights.

• In this regard, the Lao PDR encourages the international community and all concerned parties to pursue practical avenues for constructive and meaningful dialogue with the DPRK, in view of enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation in the area of human rights.

Mr. President,
• In conclusion, my delegation reaffirms its commitment to fulfilling its international human rights obligations and to enhancing cooperation with the United Nations and ASEAN human rights mechanisms. We remain guided by the principles of impartiality, transparency, objectivity, non-politicization, and constructive engagement, taking into account the diverse national circumstances and priorities of all countries, in our shared efforts to advance the cause of human rights.

Thank you.