Mr. Chair,

1. The Lao PDR reaffirms its strong commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, CEDAW, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These frameworks continue to guide our national efforts to eliminate discrimination, promote gender equality, and empower all women and girls.
2. We take note of the report on violence against women and girls, including in the context of surrogacy, and wish to express our serious concerns. The Lao PDR views illegal surrogacy as a violation of the rights of women and children. In our context, such actions are criminalized under laws related to human trafficking and the illegal trade of human organs.  Our country enacted the Agreement on the Management of Surrogacy and Abortion in 2020, which allows surrogacy only in specific, medically justified cases. The regulation outlines clear procedures, restrictions, and penalties to prevent exploitation.
3. We have made steady progress in women’s participation in public life, with more women represented in the Parliament and holding leadership roles. We continue to promote equal opportunities and political empowerment in line with national policies.
4. Progress is also seen in education, health, and economic empowerment. Gender parity in education is improving, maternal and child health indicators are encouraging, and women entrepreneurs are increasingly contributing to the growth of SMEs.
5. The Lao Women’s Union and other mass organizations play a vital role in awareness-raising, capacity-building, and supporting rural women’s access to services, contributing to sustainable development and improved livelihoods.
6. Despite gains, challenges remain especially for women in rural and remote areas who face barriers to full participation. The Lao PDR is committed to addressing these through legal reforms, inclusive policies, and stronger partnerships with the UN and development partners.

Mr. Chair,

7. As a landlocked and least developed country, the Lao PDR values international cooperation, capacity-building, and the exchange of good practices to advance gender equality and women’s rights.
8. In closing, we reaffirm our commitment to working closely with Member States and UN agencies to turn global commitments into tangible actions for inclusive, sustainable development for all without discrimination.

      Thank you