The Lao PDR has a one-party state system, and the formal operating space for independent Lao CSOs is tightly regulated. The role of CSOs in poverty reduction is recognised by authorities, albeit strictly controlled. The National Assembly has taken cautious steps towards outreach, accountability and oversight. However, resources and capacities remain underdeveloped and the division between legislative and executive bodies is not strictly enforced. Strengthening the link between the State as the provider and the citizens as recipients of public services will be essential to enhance further progress, as the Lao Government is committed to establishing a “Rule of Law State” by 2020. Increasing citizen’s engagement in political processes will help to ensure that public resources are being used wisely and for the benefit of all.

“A more inclusive development process in Laos based on increased citizens’ engagement in the national development process and established rule of law”.

Direct beneficiaries: local CSOs and INGOs; National Assembly members; MOHA and MOJ

Indirect beneficiaries: Lao citizens (women and men, with focus on ethnic groups in remote areas) in selected provinces.

Outcome 1: Civil society
Increased engagement of civil society organizations in the national development process based on an improved environment and increased operational capacities.

Outcome 2: National Assembly
Strengthened representative, legislative and oversight functions of the National Assembly.

Outcome 3:  Access to Justice
Improved state of the rule of law and enhanced implementation of human rights obligations.

SDC will earmark its contribution to Outcomes 1 and 2, as access to justice support is not part of the SDC’s Local Governance and Citizen Participation Domain’s strategic orientations (and corresponding indicators), under the current SDC Mekong Region Strategy 2013-2017.

Expected results:  

Under Outcome 1 and 2 (SDC’s contribution):

1.1. The organisational capacities of CSOs to implement small projects are improved;
1.2.  Engagement of Lao CSOs in policy dialogue with GoL, NA, ASEAN and Development Partners will be strengthened;
1.3.  Lao civil society policy and rights-relatednetworking is strengthened;
1.4.  The handling of citizens’ applications for NPA registration through MoHA/DoHA is strengthened;
2.1. The NA and Provincial People’s Assemblies (PPA) parliamentary functions integrate regular and wide-ranging consultations with the public
2.2.  The NA and PPA law making and amendmentsto existing law will be based in analysis (incl.gender analyses), evidence-based review and acoherent rationale.
2.3. The commitments of the NA and PPA to transparency and public accountability are strengthened.

Results from previous phases:  

• About 85 Lao CSOs have increased their technical and organizational capacities. This has enabled them to develop needs-based programs and contributed to improve the quality of services and livelihood of 130’000 disadvantaged people in rural areas.
• 34 of these CSOs were supported in the development of 42 project proposals, of which 31 were successfully funded by other donors.
• CSOs engaged in policy and human rights dialogue at national, regional and international levels.

EU projects: Legal Sector Master Plan, N-GPAR;
SDC projects: N-GPAR, Lao DECIDE Info, NASSP, PEI and the Local Governance Initiative & Network (LOGIN).

Phase 2 01.06.2016 - 31.10.2022   (Completed)