US$3.8m law project agreement signed

A US$3.8 million agreement has been reached for Phase III of the International Law Project to support further Lao government engagement in the international legal system and accelerate capacity development.

The agreement was reached on Thursday in Vientiane between representatives of the Lao government and development partners.

The project's third phase will run from 2009 to 2012, with joint financial support from the government of Finland, the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Phongsavath Boupha, on behalf of the Lao government signed the agreement with UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Sonam Yangchen Rana.

Mr. Phongsavath said that continued commitment towards the project's third phase reflected the productive and fruitful cooperation and assistance from international development partners the government has enjoyed.

“The project document is a product of thorough discussions and participatory consultation among all stakeholders and partners. It is built on the successes and lessons learnt in previous phases of the project,” he said.

“The new phase of this project is also meant to realise the visions in respect of international law and treaties so as to contribute to the country's rule of law while supporting national economic development and poverty reduction.”

Mr. Phongsavath emphasized that the implementation of the project must be viewed in the context of the commitment of Laos to the international and national rule of law.

“Upholding the country's international legal obligations signifies the government's determination to participate actively in the maintenance of international peace and security and promote friendly relations among nations,” he said.

The International Law Project started in 2002 and its second phase ended in December 2008.

The first phase was devoted to assisting Laos's ratification of international instruments and the translation of these documents into Lao.

The second phase was developed to assist with the implementation and monitoring of international treaties and the reporting requirements under such treaties. Ms Rana said the third phase was devoted to developing capacity for the immediate and long-term needs of Laos in international law.

“Phase III will build further on these successes to help Laos enhance its capacity to engage more with international law,” she said.

“Activities of the project will be extensive, but very focused on capacity development in international law to ensure that international obligations are translated into domestic law and action.”

“The adoption of the third phase and today's signing ceremony are proof of the great success of the project and excellent partnership between the UN and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Ms Rana underlined.

Laos is a party to more than 100 multilateral treaties and more than 300 bilateral treaties. About five treaties have been signed by the Lao PDR Government but have not yet been ratified by the National Assembly.