Access to justice is a fundamental right of every individual. However, many citizens living in remote and hard-to-reach areas of the Lao PDR still do not have adequate access to legal aid services. Despite the existence of the Decree on Legal Aid, the Ministry of Justice, Provincial Justice Departments, and District Justice Offices continue to face constraints in human resources and budget allocation for outreach and public awareness on legal aid services.
As a result, a significant number of citizens, particularly in remote areas, remain unaware of their rights to access free legal aid services under the relevant legal framework.
In order to promote the justice sector, the Rule of Law, Access to Justice, and Good Governance Programme (Lao/037), implemented by LuxDev in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, has taken important steps to bring justice services closer to the people. A total of 32 legal aid service offices across five provinces—namely Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Vientiane Province, Bolikhamxay, and Khammouane—have been strengthened to implement mobile legal consultation booths for the public.
Since January 2025, mobile legal consultation activities have been conducted in 166 villages across 32 districts, reaching more than 11,000 people.
Ms. Lotchanah Khemthong, Head of the Legal Consultation and Legal Aid Service Division, Department of Justice Management and Legal Promotion, Ministry of Justice, stated:
“Access to legal aid is not merely a service. It is an opportunity for disadvantaged groups to obtain justice. Without sufficient budget support for outreach activities and mobile legal consultation services, many citizens remain unaware of their rights and how to exercise them. This initiative plays a vital role in enabling people to access justice.”
During the legal consultation outreach activities, legal aid officers provide free legal advice to citizens, along with practical guidance on dispute resolution and public legal education on rights and the justice system. Beyond resolving individual cases, mobile legal consultation also strengthens trust in justice institutions, empowers communities, and helps citizens understand that the law is a tool for protection and empowerment—not only an instrument of authorities.
This initiative reflects the strong commitment of the Ministry of Justice, supported by the Lao/037 Programme funded by LuxDev, to expand and strengthen legal aid services nationwide. It also represents a key step toward ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing justice in the Lao PDR.
Together, justice is no longer distant. It is moving closer to the people—village by village, family by family—gradually expanding equitable access to justice across the country.
