Lao PDR

UNDP News

06 June 2007

FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE POOR IN LAO
Lao's first legal aid clinic launched in Vientiane Capital

Lao's first legal aid clinic at the Lao Bar Association's new head office in Vientiane capital today was officially opened by [H.E. Mr.Chalearn Yiapaoher] ,Minister of Justice . The clinic is situated in the Lao Bar Association's new head office in Tha Deua Road and is strategically located next to the Office of the Supreme People's Prosecutor Court .

The objective of the legal aid clinic is to provide free legal advice and representation to poor and vulnerable members of society, especially women and children. The clinic, which is staffed daily by qualified lawyers, will provide free legal advice in a range of areas, including civil and criminal law, to disadvantaged members of the community. It also boasts one of five female lawyers in Laos - Mrs. Thippavanh Souphathone. This will make the clinic highly attractive to many women clients who sometimes are reluctant to discuss personal matters with male practitioners.

Mr Sysavong Vithasay, Vice President of the Lao Bar Association and newly appointed Legal Aid Manager, is a firm believer in the Lao Bar Association's legal aid project. “Everyone has a right to access justice and legal representation”, says Mr Vithasay. “I believe that the Lao Bar Association's legal aid project will make a real difference to people's lives because it will help to ensure that people who are most vulnerable in our society can have access to the legal assistance they need.”

Ms. Sonam Yangchen Rana, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative reaffirmed UNDP's continued support to the legal aid project, which it has been associated with since the beginning. Ms. Rana added“The success or otherwise of a country's legal system can be measured by the extent to which those poorest and neediest in society can access mechanisms for justice. Legal aid provides the necessary foundation for guaranteeing this”.

It is expected that within the next year, two further legal aid clinics will be opened in the northern and southern provinces of Lao.

Today's opening was attended by numerous government officials as well as supporters from the international donor community.