Bringing justice closer: master trainers equipped to expand legal aid nationwide

In a significant step toward strengthening access to justice, the Rule of law, access to justice, and good governance (ROLAG) programme, funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, supported the Department of Judicial Administration and System Promotion (JAPD) under the Ministry of Justice conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) on legal aid from 28 July to 1 August 2025 in Vientiane province.

Tasked with establishing and managing legal aid offices across the country, JAPD has made considerable progress in institutionalising free legal services. However, ensuring consistent, high-quality training for legal aid staff remains a challenge—particularly in reaching underserved and remote communities.

The ToT aimed to enhance the capacity of new and existing master trainers on key topics such as gender equality, gender-based violence, human trafficking, legal aid service delivery, and case management. More than just a technical workshop, the training was a renewed call to action. It empowered trainers to uphold justice, protect vulnerable groups, and amplify the voices of those often unheard.

Upon completion, the master trainers will roll out follow-up training sessions across provinces and districts of the ROLAG programme, helping to build a sustainable and skilled legal aid workforce. This initiative represents a vital investment in ensuring that legal aid in Lao PDR is accessible, effective, and responsive to the needs of all citizens, especially the marginalised and underserved.

The ROLAG programme is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education and Sports, LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, ILSTA and the University of Luxembourg.