Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Joint Submission to the UN Universal Period Review 35th Session of the UPR Working Group

Manushya Foundation is an Asia regional non-governmental organization with the aim of empowering communities and advancing social justice. Founded in 2017, we strengthen and connect diverse community and grassroots groups to place them at the centre of human rights and sustainable development responses of their countries. Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) is a regional organization founded in 1988 by indigenous peoples’ movements. AIPP is committed to the cause of promoting and defending indigenous peoples’ rights and articulating issues of relevance to them. In this submission, the organizations examine the compliance of the Government of Lao PDR with the recommendations received during the 2nd UPR cycle of Lao PDR, particularly in relation to development projects and investments in the country. In this context, we analyse the efforts made by the government to implement recommendations received related to rights to development, to political framework and good governance, to participate in public affairs, to an adequate standard of living and to an effective remedy. We also assess racial discrimination among and impacts on cultural rights of the affected groups as well as forced displacement of communities affected by them and impacts thereof on their rights. The organizations then draw specific, measurable and result-oriented recommendations to address to ensure sustainable development with respect for the rights of individuals and communities.

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