Statement by India at the 2nd UPR of Lao PDR Statement by India at the 2nd UPR of Lao PDR

Statement by India at the 2nd UPR of Lao PDR

Permanent Mission of India, Geneva

2nd UPR of Lao PDR – Interactive Dialogue

Tuesday 20 January 2015, 14:30 am - 18:00 pm

Statement by India

Mr. President,

1. India welcomes the delegation of Lao People's Democratic Republic led by H.E. Mr. Phongsavath Boupha.

 

2.We commend the efforts of Government of Lao PDR aimed at bringing  their domestic legislations in conformity with international human rights instruments that it ratified. We appreciate the establishment of National Steering Committee on Human Rights for enhancing inter-agency coordination in the promotion and protection of human rights. As part of further strengthening national   human rights framework, we recommend that the Government of Lao PDR make efforts to establish an independent National Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Paris Principles.

 

3.We appreciate the priority set out by the National Assembly in enacting or revising more than 90 laws as an essential step in creating a conducive framework for national socio-economic development, advancement of human rights and realization of the Government’s vision to build the Lao PDR to be a state governed fully by the rule of law by 2020. We also welcome the Government's emphasis on HR training and capacity building.

 

4.We commend measures undertaken by the Government in combating all forms of human trafficking and addressing discrimination and violence against women, in particular the 2005 amendment of the Penal Law and the 2014 Law on Development and Protection of Women. We recommend that the Government of Lao PDR pursue efforts to improve women’s access to education and health services and strengthen their role in local development planning.

 

5.While acknowledging the huge constraints and challenges Lao PDR faces due its landlocked geography, historical burden of Unexploded Ordinances (UXOs) and the vast sub-regional disparities, we commend its achievements in meeting most of the MDG goals. Particularly noteworthy is the significant reduction in poverty levels. We recommend that the Government continue to reinforce efforts to support inclusive growth and prioritize budgetary allocations in primary education and in the reduction of malnutrition and maternal and infant mortality rates to achieve progress in the remaining MDGs.

 

6.We wish the delegation of Lao PDR all success in its future endeavors.

 

Thank you Mr. President.

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