Paris, 4 November 2024. On 29 October 2024, the CEDAW published its findings (known as Concluding Observations) following the review of the 10th periodic report of Laos under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women on 8 November 2024. The CEDAW monitors the implementation of the convention’s provisions by state parties, including Laos.
The CEDAW expressed concern over the undue restrictions on the work of non-governmental organisations and women activists, and cases of reprisals against women activists. The CEDAW recommended the Lao authorities ensure that all women can exercise their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association in accordance with international law without interference. The committee further called for investigations into reprisals against women human rights defenders, other activists, and punishment of the perpetrators.
Among other key findings, the CEDAW underscored the significant under-representation of women in decision-making systems at all levels, and the exclusion of women from marginalised groups from representation. The CEDAW recommended the Lao government take steps to reach parity in all decision-making systems, including by adopting temporary special measures, such as "alternation systems between women and men, and ensuring equal access to, and transparency of, nomination processes".
The CEDAW also expressed concern over the increase in the trafficking of women and children, including for the purpose of sexual exploitation, and the low number of successful prosecutions of perpetrators of trafficking. The CEDAW recommended that the government ensure the allocation of adequate human, technical, and financial resources to law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to strengthen the implementation of anti-trafficking legislation and policies and to bring perpetrators to justice. It also urged the government to take immediate steps to effectively monitor and control activities in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone – a notorious hub of transnational crime that has heavily relied on the trafficking of women.
In addition, the CEDAW remained concerned that gender stereotypes regarding the roles and responsibilities of women and men in the family and in society persisted and were a root cause for other human rights violations against women. The CEDAW recommended the government adopt a comprehensive strategy to eliminate patriarchal attitudes and gender stereotypes in the family and in society and promote understanding of the negative impact of gender stereotypes on the exercise by women of their human rights.
The committee also encouraged the government to ratify the remaining core international human rights instruments, including the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), to "enhance the enjoyment by women of their human rights and fundamental freedoms in all aspects of life".
The CEDAW’s above-referenced findings echoed concerns presented by FIDH and LMHR in September 2023 in their joint submission as part of the CEDAW’s review process of Laos.