Mr. Chair,

1. My delegation would like to highlight the following National statement:

The Lao PDR remains fully committed to promoting and protecting the rights of children among the top priorities for advancing inclusive social, economic, and sustainable development. Children’s rights and interests have been included in domestic legislation and are aligned with the fundamental principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). In July this year, in Geneva, the Lao PDR completed the presentation of its seventh national Periodic Report under the CRC.

2. The Government of Lao PDR has made significant progress in incorporating the CRC into national policies and law, including the CRC Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Child 2023, the Law on Lao Youth 2020, the Law on Tobacco Control 2021, and the Law on Handling of Petitions 2022. Additionally, the Law on Juvenile Criminal Procedure 2013 and Law on Prevention and Combating Cybercrime 2016 also align with the CRC and its optional Protocols, as well as UN Treaty Bodies’ recommendations.  Another significant development is the recent amendment of the Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Child, which now fully aligns with the CRC and its Optional Protocols. This amendment explicitly prohibits all forms of violence against children, including abuse by civil servants, authorities, and caregivers. It also prohibits corporal punishment of children in all places and circumstances, such as at school and in the family.

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 and sexual exploitation and abuse.
5. The Lao PDR continues to promote the rights to education for all and is committed to reforming 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 raising public 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, forced marriage is a crime, and those who coerce a child into marriage under the age of 18 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