Luxembourg supports Lao PDR's National Assembly to strengthen coordination on petitions

With financial support from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg through the Rule of law, access to justice and good governance (ROLAG) programme, the Law and Justice Committee of the National Assembly of the Lao PDR organised a two-day seminar on coordination mechanisms for petitions. Held in Vientiane Province on 17–18 August 2026, the seminar aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of, and consensus on, procedures for receiving and examining petitions for justice, including single-window procedures and coordination among National Assembly committees. Participants also reviewed the implementation of the law on petitions and resolutions, with a view to identifying lessons learned and areas for improvement ahead of the planned legislative amendment in 2027.

The seminar was chaired by H.E. Thoummaly VONGPHACHANH, President of the Law and Justice Committee, and brought together 71 participants, including representatives from National Assembly committees and other relevant institutions.

During the event, Dr Reginald PASTRANA, Senior Sectoral Adviser to the ROLAG programme, presented good practices and institutional experiences in resolving citizens' complaints. Participants also discussed existing petition-handling procedures and coordination mechanisms within the National Assembly.

Through group discussions, participants identified key challenges, institutional and legal gaps, and practical recommendations to improve the effectiveness, clarity and legal compliance of the petition examination process. The group findings provided useful input for further strengthening coordination among National Assembly committees and informing future legislative improvements.

The seminar contributed to ongoing efforts to strengthen petition mechanisms and promote effective access to justice in 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.