Vientiane Capital, 23 February 2026 – The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, has officially launched the country’s first National Action Plan (2026–2030) to implement the recommendations issued by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Endorsed by the Prime Minister on 10 October 2025, the National Action Plan (NAP) provides a clear mandate for coordinated, cross-sector implementation.
The launch event, held at Lao Plaza Hotel in Vientiane Capital, was attended by some 150 participants, including representatives from the Government, provincial authorities, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), development partners, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.
Lao PDR’s progress on disability rights has advanced significantly since the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2009. In 2022, the country underwent its first review by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, supported by UNDP through technical assistance, coordination among ministries, and facilitation of the Lao delegation’s participation in the Constructive Dialogue in Geneva.

The 2022 review also marked an important milestone for civil society: for the first time, 11 OPDs jointly submitted a Parallel Report to a UN human rights treaty body. UNDP strengthened OPDs’ engagement by supporting national consultations and enabling seven OPD representatives to join the review in Geneva, ensuring that the lived experiences of persons with disabilities directly informed the process.
Developed through seven national consultations held between 2023 and 2025, the NAP consolidates existing efforts into a structured, results-oriented framework. It outlines priority actions across key sectors, including Education, Health, Justice, Public Works and Transport, and Labour and Social Protection.
The NAP reinforces that disability inclusion is a shared responsibility across all Government institutions and calls for strengthened coordination, accountability, and monitoring mechanisms.
UNDP will continue to support the Government of Lao PDR in advancing disability rights through enhanced institutional coordination, engagement with civil society, and inclusive governance reforms aligned with national and international commitments.
The launch of the CRPD National Action Plan represents a significant step toward strengthening the rights, participation, and inclusion of persons with disabilities across Lao PDR.

Contact Information:
Armaan Khan, Governance Officer, UNDP Lao PDR
armaan.khan@undp.org