Lao PDR introduced a Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation progress of the SDG 2030, at the UN headquarter, New York, on July 17, 2018.

     The Lao PDR’s delegation headed by H.E. Mr. Bounkeut SANGSOMSACK, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Chairman of the National Steering Committee on Human Rights participated in the 123^rd session of the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva on 11-12 July 2018 for the consideration of the Lao PDR’s initial report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which the country is a state party since 2009.

Vientiane, July 10, 2018

      In reply to the U.S. Embassy Verbal Note No. 18-720/CONS, dated 9 July 2018, on the above-captioned sanctions the Lao PDR Government expresses its profound disappointment and regret over the visa sanctions unilaterally imposed by the US Government against Laos for the so-called “lack of adequate cooperation from the Lao side in documenting and facilitating the return home of those claimed to be Lao nationals who have exhausted their legal remedies and have no right to remain in the United States”. This unfounded and unfair act by the US Government is not only unacceptable and counterproductive, but may bring about negative impact on the positive and growing Laos-US cooperative relationship as well.