Lao–Luxembourg partnership strengthens the rule of law as ROLAG steering committee sets 2026 reform agenda

The Lao-Luxembourg Rule of law, access to justice and good governance (ROLAG) programme recently held its 4th steering committee meeting and endorsed a budget extension to support key national priorities, with a focus on anti-money laundering, while reviewing the progress made in 2025 and approving its 2026 plan.

This 4th steering committee meeting was chaired by Associate Professor Dr Ounla SIVANPHENG, Vice-President of the National University of Laos, and co-chaired by Mr Thomas LAMMAR, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Laos. More than 60 representatives from a range of government ministries, academic institutions and provinces attended, reflecting strong multi-stakeholder engagement in advancing the rule of law and governance reforms.

Participants praised LuxDev’s strategic and responsive implementation of the programme, highlighting its alignment with national priorities and local realities, and reaffirmed the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg’s continued support for inclusive governance and for strengthening the rule of law.

Over the past year, the ROLAG programme achieved a 94.9% disbursement rate and significant results : 

• justice institutions were strengthened through training and policy support;
• ethics and financial investigation skills were enhanced;
• international law was promoted;
• access to justice was expanded via 19 renovated legal aid offices, mobile clinics reaching over 11,000 citizens, and stronger Village Mediation Units with improved links and competences to escalate cases to the formal justice sector;
• legal education was modernised at the National University of Laos and at Champasak University;
• governance was reinforced through support to the National Assembly, Provincial People’s Assemblies, and the State Audit Organisation.

The Chairs emphasised that advancing the rule of law requires collaboration, coordination and strong partnerships. As the ROLAG programme enters its 2026 cycle, it will continue to drive transformation, expand equitable access to justice, and promote transparent, accountable governance for all citizens of the Lao PDR.

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