A more effective justice system, accessible to all

Access to fair justice is a fundamental pillar of human development. In 2025, actions carried on in Laos helped improve the quality of legal education, strengthen institutional capacities and bring legal services closer to communities.

In Laos, the Rule of law, access to justice and good governance programme aims to address persistent challenges in the sector, namely incomplete legal training, limited institutional capacities and unequal access to justice. In 2025, it helped bridge these gaps through an integrated approach. It supported universities in improving legal education through investments in infrastructure and equipment, curriculum reforms, the introduction of results-based education, and the strengthening of clinical teaching, which engaged 234 students in handling 276 cases.

Through targeted support from the Institute for Legal Support and Technical Assistance of Laos, the programme also contributed to strengthening the capacity of 7,140 legal professionals, prosecutors, judges and civil servants within partner institutions. These efforts enhanced the competence, accountability, and efficiency of the public administration and the judicial system, reinforcing transparency and the rule of law at the national level.

Finally, significant progress was made in terms of access to justice. With the programme’s support, 32 legal aid offices were able to establish mobile clinics and conduct legal awareness campaigns. Within a year, they reached 166 villages, providing legal services to more than 11,000 people. At the same time, community-based conflict resolution mechanisms were strengthened, enabling 6,921 complaints to be dealt with through village mediation units, thereby reducing pressure on the formal justice system.

Since 2020, Phitsy BOUNVANXAY, a legal aid officer at the Bolikhan district (Bolikhamxay Province), has been helping inhabitants resolve their legal issues.

With support from the Rule of law, access to justice and good governance programme, Phitsy and her team have actively contributed to bringing legal services closer to communities. Through information sessions and mobile legal clinics travelling across the district, they raised awareness among more than 350 residents and provided 86 legal aid services to people in need.

In November 2025, Phitsy undertook a capacity-building training course on gender equality, gender-based violence, and human trafficking, which now enables her to offer more comprehensive support to the residents of Bolikhan. Thanks to her commitment, the justice system is no longer seen as a distant institution, but as a service that is close at hand and accessible.