Second Australia-Laos Human Rights Dialogue

Australian Embassy

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Embassy address: Km 4, Thadeua Road, Watnak (P.O. Box 292) Vientiane, Lao P.D.R. Telephone: 856-21-353800, Facsimile: 856-21-353801

8 April 2009

Second Australia-Laos Human Rights Dialogue
Vientiane 6 – 9 April 2009

Australia and Laos held the Second Australia-Laos Human Rights Dialogue from 6 to 9 April 2009 in Vientiane. The Australian delegation was led by Mr Michael Potts, First Assistant Secretary, International Organisations and Legal Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and included members from Attorney-General’s Department and the Australian Human Rights Commission. The Lao Delegation was led by Mr Khamkheung Bounteum, Director General, Treaties and Legal Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and included representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Supreme Court, Prosecutor’s Office, Ministry of Public Security and Lao Women’s Union

The purpose of the dialogue was to exchange views on a range of human rights topics such as the promotion and protection of women’s rights, access to justice, protection of minority rights and the role of civil society in the protection of human rights. The delegation also visited a range of relevant human rights projects in Vientiane including the National Rehabilitation Centre and the COPE visitor centre, the Lao Bar Association, the Training Centre for Women with Disabilities and an open trial at the Vientiane Capital People’s Court for Civil Proceedings.

The Australian Government has been a long-standing supporter of human rights and sees the Australia-Laos Human Rights Dialogue as an important step in continuing to promote and protect Human Rights in Laos and in the Asia Pacific region.