9th Laos-Australia Human Rights Dialogue
18 November 2025
Lao PDR and Australia held the 9th bilateral Human Rights Dialogue in Vientiane on 18 November 2025.
The Dialogue is an important part of Lao PDR and Australia’s bilateral architecture. It was co-chaired by Mr. Thiphasone Sengsourinha, Acting Director General, Department of Treaty and Law, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, and Ms. Lara Nassau, Assistant Secretary, Human Rights Branch, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Dialogue involved representation from both sides, including the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).
The constructive Dialogue covered matters including civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in both countries. Discussions also included engagement with international mechanisms, and bilateral and regional human rights cooperation. The delegations also discussed their respective policies on and approaches to gender equality and protecting vulnerable people.
The Dialogue further deepened mutual understanding of each country’s recent human rights progress and challenges. The Lao Delegation provided an update on individual cases raised by Australia, and provided information on its legal and policy frameworks, and national measures on safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms of all. The Australian delegation exchanged information on human rights challenges in Australia. Lao PDR and Australia agreed to explore further opportunities for human rights cooperation.
The two countries acknowledged the contribution of civil society organisations and other stakeholders to the development and improvement of social outcomes. Australia commended Lao PDR on recent initiatives to engage all stakeholders in reporting on the implementation of human rights conventions, including to implement Lao PDR’s 4th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations, and encouraged Lao PDR to further promote their engagement and participation.
Participants welcomed the one-year extension of the Human Rights Technical Cooperation Program (HRTCP), now in its third phase. AHRC will continue its practical support to the Lao Government.
The two sides committed to continuing cooperation to foster inclusive societies that embrace and provide equal opportunities and respect for the human rights of all people, without discrimination of any kind.
Lao PDR and Australia look forward to the 10th Human Rights Dialogue, scheduled to occur in Canberra, Australia in 2027.
