Laos has taken note of 61 recommendations cover sensitive issues such as the death penalty, indigenous peoples, gender identity and certain international treaties. Other positions include not recognising “indigenous peoples” as Laos officially recognises 50 ethnic groups, while the Constitution ensures equality for all. - Wikipedia
GENEVA: Laos has adopted its Fourth Cycle Universal Periodic Review report at the UN Human Rights Council in Switzerland, accepting most recommendations while stressing the importance of national context.
The adoption took place during the Council’s 60th Session in Geneva on September 25-26. The Lao delegation was led by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office, Daovy Vongxay.
Daovy said the Universal Periodic Review is one of the most important mechanisms for promoting and safeguarding human rights worldwide.
“The Lao PDR fully supports 189 recommendations, partially supports seven recommendations, and takes note of 61 recommendations,” he was quoted as saying.
The 189 supported recommendations make up more than 70 per cent of all proposals, and many are already being carried out in line with the Constitution, national laws and the country’s socio-economic development plans.
The seven partially supported recommendations concern issues where Laos agrees in principle but cannot fully implement, or disagrees with specific wording.
The 61 noted recommendations cover sensitive issues such as the death penalty, indigenous peoples, gender identity and certain international treaties.
On the death penalty, Daovy said Laos cannot abolish capital punishment, which is retained for the most serious crimes under the Penal Code. But he pointed out that a moratorium has been in place since 1989 and that reforms in 2018 reduced the number of crimes subject to execution from 18 to 12.
Other positions include not recognising “indigenous peoples” as Laos officially recognises 50 ethnic groups, while the Constitution ensures equality for all.
In addition, the Lao legal framework also recognises only male and female genders, with all people considered equal before the law.
On treaties, Daovy said Laos is carefully reviewing optional protocols and the Arms Trade Treaty, but that limited institutional capacity means ratification can only be considered when the country is ready.
He also said Laos will continue to work with UN Special Rapporteurs but that invitations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Ambassador expressed gratitude to the countries and organisations that participated in the review.
“We are grateful for the recognition of progress in our national socio-economic development, as well as our continued efforts to promote and protect the human rights of the multi-ethnic Lao people,” he said.
The Human Rights Council adopted the Lao Universal Periodic Review report by consensus. The review system was set up by the Human Rights Council in 2006 to assess the human rights records of all 193 UN member states through a peer-to-peer review process.
Laos has now taken part in the Universal Periodic Review process four times: in 2010, 2015, 2020 and 2025. - Vientiane Times/ANN
