World: UN expert urges Lao PDR to prioritise cultural rights

Vientiane, 02 December ,2024.-  Inclusive development and prosperity of Laos, by the people and for the people, can only materialise if everyone can freely maintain their chosen ways of life and contribute their visions of and priorities in development, a UN expert said today.

“Lao PDR must not sacrifice cultural diversity and cultural rights in the name of economic development and state unity,” said Alexandra Xanthaki, the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, in a statement * at the end of a 10-day official visit to the country.

“I commend Lao PDR’s renewed engagement with the human rights machinery,” she said.

“Although Lao PDR legislation recognises cultural rights, I remain concerned about policies assimilating ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples into the main Lao ethnic group, as well as the folklorisation of culture for tourism,” Xanthaki said.

The expert highlighted prejudice against non-dominant cultural practices labelled as «backward», policies promoting «good culture» aligned with the party line, Lao-only education without cultural accommodation, and village relocations threatening traditional lifestyles.

“The state implements a policy of widespread relocation of villages in the name of development,” the expert said. “Relocations must only take place in rare occasions and only after the free, prior and informed consent of the affected and fair and mutually agreed compensation.

“I also consider that the Government’s refusal to recognise the existence of ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples who suffer from marginalisation amounts to refusing them the protection of international standards that apply to their specific situation,” she said.

The Special Rapporteur commended the country’s commitment to non-discrimination but emphasised the need for in-depth implementation in line with international standards. “Non-discrimination does not mean uniformity but taking measures to maintain diverse cultural practices and perspectives and allow them to contribute to society,” said the expert.

Xanthaki acknowledged the Government’s efforts in economic development and poverty reduction but noted that development is viewed narrowly through socio-economic lenses. She criticised the lack of human rights assessments and adequate compensation for resettlement and land loss. “Development partners and international organisations must address these issues,” Xanthaki said, emphasising their duty to uphold human rights and not remain silent amid shrinking space for debate and public participation.

“Proper consultation where people can express their needs and grievances, let alone the free, prior and informed consent of local communities, is not possible where civic space simply does not exist and people fear retaliation,” she said. The expert was interested, however, in initiatives to better consult local communities, such as in the Hin Nam No Park, proposed to be granted World Heritage status.

“The officials’ narrative, across the board, that all people understand and agree to the development projects, is not realistic,” she said.

The expert met with Government officials, provincial and district representatives, as well as civil society, United Nations agencies and development partners and villagers. She visited Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and the Khammouane Province.

The Special Rapporteur will present a full report on her visit to the Human Rights Council in March 2026.

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