Madam Chair,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

1. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic attaches great importance to the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Guided by these commitments, Lao PDR continues to strengthen efforts to promote women’s rights and ensure equitable access to justice for all women and girls.
2. Over the past five years, Lao PDR has undertaken significant legal reforms. More than 50 laws have been adopted or revised to better safeguard the rights and interests of women. In particular, the Law on Development and Protection of Women, adopted in 2025, strengthens protection for women in vulnerable situations, including women living in poverty, women with disabilities, and survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. In addition, the Law on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Children and the Law on Anti-Human Trafficking are currently being revised to further strengthen protection and accountability mechanisms.
3. Alongside legal reforms, Lao PDR continues to expand access to justice services. Legal aid offices and Village Mediation Units operate nationwide, helping communities resolve disputes and providing legal assistance at the local level. In addition, a digital legal aid platform has been introduced to improve access to legal information and services.
4. These efforts are particularly important for older women, who may face barriers in accessing justice due to limited legal literacy and information. Strengthening community-level legal assistance and awareness therefore remains essential to ensure that women of all ages can effectively exercise their rights.
5. To better support survivors of violence, Lao PDR has established multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms, including shelters in several provinces and a national hotline to assist women and children facing violence. Standard operating procedures across health, justice, police, and social sectors ensure a more coordinated and survivor-centered response.
6. Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Implementation gaps, limited legal literacy, and persistent harmful social norms still hinder women’s full access to justice, particularly for those in rural and remote communities. older women may also face risks of neglect, abuse, or economic exploitation. Addressing these challenges requires continued efforts to strengthen prevention, protection, and community awareness.

Madam Chair,

7. The Government of Lao PDR remains firmly committed to strengthening legal frameworks, improving access to justice services, and enhancing cooperation with development partners and stakeholders to ensure inclusive, equitable, and effective justice for all women and girls.

I thank you.