Lao PDR

UNDP News

Vientiane, 7 September 2006

Joint Press Release

European Union and UNDP join hands to promote International Law and Local Administrative Reform.

The European Union (EU) will join efforts with UNDP and the government of Lao PDR in two projects respectively in the fields of International Law and Governance, Public Administration Reform and Decentralized Service.

At a ceremony held in Vientiane today, Mr. Sandro Cerrato, Chargé d'Affaires of the Delegation of the European Commission to Lao PDR and Ms. Setsuko Yamazaki, Resident Representative of UNDP in Lao PDR a.i. signed the two project agreements.

The main objective of the first project “Enhancing the contribution of International Law to the strengthening of the rule of law in the Lao PDR” is to enable preparation of amendments and/or new legislation to harmonise national legislation with existing and future international obligations, and prepare for ratification of the International Conventions on: Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

The main objective of the second project “Governance, Public Administration Reform and Decentralised Service Delivery” is to assist the provincial and district authorities in Saravane province provide effective services so as to reduce poverty and boost local governance initiatives, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector and ensuring that public services are sufficiently focused on pro-poor sectors.

The budget for the International Law project amounts to approximately US$ 1,256,000 with an EU contribution of US$ 384, 615. The financial allocation for the second project is approximately US$ 3,134,000 includes support from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) amounting to US$ 2,000,000 and an EU contribution of US$640,000.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Cerrato said: “International Law and local administrative reform are essential elements for the development of this country and the European Union has extensive experience in this field. In addition to this, by working in partnership with UNDP we will demonstrate an effective and efficient use of resources and better donor coordination.”

The head of UNDP in Lao PDR, Ms.Yamazaki said: “Good governance reduces poverty and promotes socio-economic development. We are happy to join hands with the Lao Government and European Union to focus our combined efforts on this most important sector.”