The Rule of law, access to justice and good governance programme reviews progress and aligns priorities

Demonstrating a continued commitment to promoting justice, accountability, and institutional resilience in the Lao PDR, the Rule of law, access to justice and good governance programme (ROLAG) convened its third steering committee meeting on 9 July 2025 to review progress made in 2024 and to formally endorse the annual operational plan for 2025.

The meeting was chaired by H.E. Dr. Samlane PHANKHAVONG, Vice Minister of Education and Sports, and co-chaired by H.E. Ketsana PHOMMACHANH, Vice Minister of Justice, and Mr. Thomas LAMMAR, chargé d'affaires of the Luxembourg Embassy in Laos, reflecting the strong diplomatic and national ownership backing the programme.

Over 50 participants from various ministries, academic institutions, and partner provinces attended, reflecting broad multi-stakeholder engagement. The meeting highlighted the importance of synergy and coordination across institutions and actors, with participants appreciating the support of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and recognizing LuxDev's strategic and responsive implementation approach in aligning with both national priorities and local realities.

The meeting reflected on a year marked by key achievements:

• ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance Accreditation: support to the Faculty of Law and Political science (FLP) in achieving ASEAN accreditation;
• National University of Laos: support the restructuring process of NUoL in line with the government policy;
• infrastructure investments: upgrades to classrooms, library modernisation, and enhancements to academic database systems at FLP;
• training initiatives: over 2,000 government officials trained in legal ethics, anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism, and case management. Prosecutors and detention officers received capacity-building for rights-based enforcement;
• community justice: mobile legal clinics provide free legal aid to over 5,500 individuals in 5 provinces. Village mediation mechanisms were revitalised for inclusive dispute resolution.

As the ROLAG programme enters its 2025 cycle, it remains focused on driving transformative reforms in the legal and justice sectors, promoting rule of law, equitable access to justice, and good governance for all Lao citizens.

The Rule of law, access to justice and good governance programme (ROLAG) is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Justice, the Institute for Legal Support and Technical Assistance (ILSTA), the University of Luxembourg and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.