The Outcome Report on Lao PDR’s human rights record to be adopted during the 45th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

Vientiane, 25 September 2020 – The United Nations Human Rights Council is to formally endorse the Outcome Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on Lao PDR on Monday, 28 September 2020, at its 45th Session that will be webcast live.

The UPR is a unique State-driven process that involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. Under the auspices of the Human Rights Council, it provides the opportunity for each State to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to fulfil their human rights obligations. 

In January 2020, the Human Rights Council Working Group on UPR reviewed the Lao PDR’s human rights records for the third time. Based on the information provided in the Lao PDR’s National Report and received from the United Nations System and other stakeholders, the Member States submitted 226 conclusions and recommendations to the Government of Lao PDR on furthering economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights etc., with the objective of leaving no one behind.

Prior to the upcoming Human Rights Council Session, Lao PDR presented its views on the recommendations, as well as the voluntary commitments and replies by submitting the Addenda to the UPR Secretariat. As stated in Lao PDR’s decision, the Government fully supported 160 and noted 66 recommendations following the results of the consultations led by the Lao National Steering Committee on Human Rights with the relevant administrative, legislative, and judicial Authorities and other stakeholders, including the civil society organizations.

Lao PDR’s first and second UPR reviews took place in May 2010 and January 2015, respectively. The next peer review of the progress and developments in the area of human rights for Lao PDR is planned for 2025.

--- Watch the Adoption of the Outcome Report on the third UPR Lao PDR online:

• What: 45th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
• Where: Assembly Hall, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland and live on UN WebTV
• When: Monday 28 September 2020, 3.30-4.15 pm (Lao PDR Time)