With support from the U.S. Embassy and other development partners, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officially launched a Legal Information Kiosk on March 3, at the People’s Provincial Court of Xieng Khuang. The Kiosk will enhance local citizens’ ability to gain access to legal information. This project aims to support the Lao PDR’s goal of becoming a rule of law state by 2020 by promoting citizens’ right to access legal information.
President of Xieng Khuang People’s Court, Mr Tong Xong Bouasinengma and Director of the International Narcotics (INL) and Law Enforcement from U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Ms Kimberley Bulkley as well as other government officials and development partners attended the ceremony.
Speaking about the project INL Director Kimberley Bulkley said, “Providing citizens with legal information is one important step towards achieving the Lao PDR’s goal of becoming a rule of law state. We are proud to work with the Lao government, UNDP and other partners to towards meeting this goal.”
The establishment of the Kiosk is part of the Support Project for Implementation of the Legal Sector Master Plan, which was launched in January 2014. It is the first comprehensive legal program in the country and will be implemented by Ministry of Justice, People’s Supreme Court, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, and Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor. The Project attempts to provide stronger safeguards for all citizens, improve people’s access to law and justice institutions, and encourage the creation of more clear, consistent, and responsive laws and regulations.
