Lao PDR

Fostering Democratic Governance

Programmes

Policy support for democratic governance

UNDP works to ensure that better laws are written and implemented; civil servants are more knowledgeable and responsive in delivering services; revenue collection is more efficient; gender and rights issues are integrated into development planning, and Lao PDR is able to take its place more strongly in the regional and world economies.

Parliamentary development

UNDP has been a long-standing partner of the Lao PDR National Assembly, providing assistance to help the Assembly to carry out its legislative, oversight and representative functions effectively. The current programme [2004-2007] continues to work with the Assembly to: improve understanding and skills needed for legislative drafting; capacity for government oversight, including budget review; facilitation of better public consultations; capacity of legislators - especially members elected to the 6th legislature (2006) - and staff; facilitating a review of national policy frameworks, and improving gender equality and the advancement of women.  

Justice and Human Rights

The Lao PDR government is working towards becoming a "rule of law" state. UNDP's programme has focused on developing the legal sector by helping key legal institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, Office of the Public Prosecutor and the People's Supreme Court. UNDP also works with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate improved understanding and implementation of Lao PDR' international obligations, including participation in human rights legal instruments. Based on a comprehensive Legal Sector evaluation in 2003, UNDP is now working with the government to help develop a long-term Legal Sector Master Plan (2020), with attention to continuing capacity development, law enforcement coordination, and judicial strengthening. An important initiative that will be expanded in 2006 is to further strengthen the Lao Bar Association and its capacity to provide legal aid to the poor, and to address linkages between the formal and traditional justice systems in Lao PDR [2004-2006].    

Decentralization, local governance and rural development

UNDP's flagship Governance and Public Administration Reform (GPAR) programme is helping parts of the Lao civil service to become more efficient and better able to deliver services to the poor. It assists the government in developing basic policy and legal systems, as well as develop essential skills needed by those in key central agencies and ministries, including the Prime Minister's Office. The programme works in Vientiane [2006-2009], Luang Prabang [2006-2009], Saravane [2005-2009], Xieng Khouang, Khammouane [2005 – 2006] and is expanding to other provinces through co-operation with UNV, UNCDF and other development partners. Overall, the programme helps government institutions by developing human resources, financial (revenue and expenditure) management, and effective use of information technology with a special focus on reaching remote and impoverished communities.