Mr. President,
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

At the outset, my delegation extents its sincere congratulations to you, Mr. President and the members of the Bureau on your election and assures you of our full support.

The Lao PDR attaches great importance to the issue of persons with disabilities since becoming a member of the CRPD in 2009, the Lao PDR has committed to promoting, protecting, and ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities. The Lao PDR has developed the National Action Plan for the Implementation of the CRPD Recommendations 2026–2030, which was officially approved by our Government in January 2026. The Plan reflects our transition from a charity-based approach toward a human rights-based and inclusive development approach.

Mr. President,

The priorities of the Government of the Lao PDR on persons with disabilities focus on the following three key areas:

First, strengthening safety, justice, and rights for persons with disabilities through improving legislation, promoting accessible justice systems, and protecting women and children with disabilities from violence and discrimination.

Second, enhancing resilience, autonomy, care and social protection by improving accessibility in public spaces, transportation, social welfare, education, employment, and community-based support services.

Third, promoting representation and inclusive governance by strengthening participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes and developing a Disability Management Information System to support evidence-based policies. Furthermore, the Lao PDR is implementing strategies, action plans, and activities to promote and improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities, steadily enhancing their daily lives.

Mr. President,

The major cause of disabilities in the Lao PDR is unexploded ordinance (UXOs). Between 2008 to 2026, there are more than 755 of UXOs accidents causing 1,245 victims, with 315 deaths and 930 injuries with a long-term disability. While significant progress has been achieved in UXO clearance and victim assistance, UXO continues to pose serious challenges to effect communities and to the country’s socio-economic development. In this connection, we also face a number of the challenges including database system, limited resources, insufficient accessibility, and shortage of specialized services and trained personnel. Therefore, the strengthened partnerships and international cooperation remain essential.

In conclusion, the Government of the Lao PDR wishes to express its sincere appreciation to development partners and UN agencies, especially UNDP, UNICEF and other stakeholders for their invaluable guidance and support, and reaffirms its strong commitment to the CRPD and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by ensuring that no one is left behind.

I thank you.