Madam / Mister Chair

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests

1. Lao PDR places strong priority on preventing and addressing violence against women through strengthened legal and polity frameworks. These include the Law on Protection of the Rights and Interests of Women, the Law on Prevention and Combating Violence against Women and Children, the Law on Gender Equality. These efforts are further enforced through National Action Plan on Prevention and Elimination of Violence against Women and Children (2026-2030).

2. Public awareness and social mobilization remain essential. Each year, Lao PDR actively commemorates the 16 days of Activism against gender based violence, with national messages by the Prime Minister. Campaigns implemented from local to national level.

3. To better respond to the needs of survivors of violence against women and girls, Lao PDR has adopted the "No Wrong Door" approach, ensuring coordinated and survivor-centered services. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) have been developed across health, justice, police, and social sectors, supported by strong inter-agency coordination.

4. Services accessibility has also been expanded through Counselling and Protection Center for Women and Children in five provinces, Hospital-Based One Stop Crisis Centers and decentralized legal aid services at local level.

5. Recognizing emerging challenges, Lao PDR has also initiated research and policy responses to technology facilitated gender-based violence and joined the ASEAN campaign “No Means No, Online Too”. These efforts will be further reflected in national action plans and upcoming Cyber Crime legislation.

6. At the same time, we are strengthening evidence-based policy making through the development of national administrative data system on gender based violence and preparation for the second national survey on violence against women.

7. Despite our progress, challenges remain in awareness raising, addressing harmful social norms, strengthening frontline responders, securing sustainable national budget allocations, and expanding multi-sectoral services for survivors nationwide.

8. On this note, the Lao PDR reaffirms its commitment to further strengthening collaboration with UN agencies, development partners and all stakeholders to ensure justice, protection and dignity for all women and girls.

I Thank you.