[{"bbox": [97, 153, 1133, 206], "category": "Text", "text": "rights as well – will offer a valuable entry point for practical cooperation and assistance, primarily through the phase 2 of the CEGGA programme."}, {"bbox": [97, 232, 1133, 444], "category": "Text", "text": "A human rights based approach (HRBA) with an emphasis on gender equality is identified as a significant cross-cutting priority for the planning and execution of the proposed programme. The action will address basic education and children’s rights where enforcement of concerned conventions and legal tools is still weak. This will be case in particular in disadvantaged areas with non-Lao ethnic minorities for which tailored syllabi and language courses will be delivered by in-service trained allocated teachers. Another case will be the support of the Action to provide TVET training opportunities to disadvantaged learners in specially equipped centres with tailored CBT curriculum and workshop equipment. The action will apply the HRBA principles including non-discrimination, accountability, transparency, and participation."}, {"bbox": [97, 477, 195, 502], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## Disability"}, {"bbox": [97, 503, 1113, 606], "category": "Text", "text": "Lao adopted a Decree on the Rights of persons with disabilities in 2014, which regulates the right to education, vocational training and employment for persons with disabilities. Lao ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2009. Submitted first report 2016, replied to list of issues in 2019, waiting final recommendations in 2022."}, {"bbox": [97, 641, 210, 666], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## Democracy"}, {"bbox": [97, 667, 1133, 852], "category": "Text", "text": "Lao PDR is a single-party state with limited political and civil freedoms. While the Constitution guarantees the freedoms of expression and of the press (article 44), restrictions remain omnipresent and are characterised by an atmosphere of self-censorship. A Cyber Law and a Decree on Information Management on the Internet (2015) prohibits citizens from 'disseminating or circulating untrue information for negative purposes'. Civil society organisations (CSO) cannot efficiently exercise their role to promote pluralism, oversight and accountability. Their operations are strictly controlled and limited to service delivery projects, which follow a very long approval process. Yet, it is gradually improving; CSOs' role was recognised in the final version of 9th NSEDP."}, {"bbox": [97, 878, 1133, 1038], "category": "Text", "text": "The EU-CH-DE CEGGA project, complemented by policy dialogue together with European Partners, and other projects implemented by NGOs in partnership with local authorities and Provincial People's Assemblies (PPA), are gradually bearing fruits. The National Assembly sessions have seen a continuation of the trend of more lively debate and engagement. The valuable contribution of NGOs in Laos' socio-economic development is increasingly being recognised, not least by local authorities and PPAs given their value-added in provided services and capacity building in marginalised populations and remote areas."}, {"bbox": [97, 1070, 486, 1096], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## Conflict sensitivity, peace and resilience"}, {"bbox": [97, 1097, 1133, 1440], "category": "Text", "text": "Overall, the internal situation is firmly under control. A series of potential sources of tensions might generate some conflict in the medium to long term. However, none of them is currently expected to lead to open or violent conflict or create a risk of instability in a foreseeable near future. Most importantly, this concerns growing inequalities which often manifest themselves around land and/or resettlement issues, as well as more recently – in relation to the economic difficulties due to Covid-19 restrictions. The Government is aware of this source of tension and tries to address it through a (partial) moratorium on large land concessions and increased efforts to put in place adequate compensation schemes and mechanisms including for mega projects impact on the environment and on the nearby communities. Endemic corruption is another possible cause of prospective frictions. The National Land Policy has been revised, with great concern from the civil society as some articles related to expropriation for business/private purposes (forced land acquisition) undermine the farmer's rights. Lack of opportunities can also create a negative impact on the foundation of the society value and cohesion. Access to quality education and its linkage to economic opportunities needs to be protected and maintained as to preserve peace, resilience, belief and harmony of the Lao society."}, {"bbox": [97, 1473, 336, 1496], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## Disaster Risk Reduction"}, {"bbox": [97, 1499, 1133, 1632], "category": "Text", "text": "Laos is highly exposed and vulnerable to natural hazards (flooding, drought) which can significantly impact the socio economic sector, to certain extend threaten food security and livelihoods, especially in rural areas. The poor quality of diets and chronic nutritional vulnerability exacerbates the impact of various shocks. At the same time, Lao PDR also depends heavily upon natural resource exploitation for economic growth and the hydroelectric projects may intensify pre-existing vulnerability to natural disasters. Laos' weak resilience to natural disasters can"}, {"bbox": [1028, 1681, 1143, 1705], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 15 of 35"}]