Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 35th Session (20-31 January 2020): 3rd UPR of Lao PDR - Interactive Dialogue, delivered by Shri Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 21 January 2020]
Mr. President
India warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of Lao PDR and thanks the delegation for presenting its National Report.
2. We commend the progress made by Lao PDR since its second UPR.
3. While acknowledging the constraints and challenges Lao PDR faces due its landlocked geography, historical burden of Unexploded Ordinances (UXOs), we commend its achievements in meeting most of the SDGs. Particularly noteworthy is the significant reduction in poverty levels. We recommend the following to Lao PDR:
Strengthen the National Human Rights Mechanisms in compliance with Paris Principles.
Continue to reinforce efforts to support inclusive growth and prioritize budgetary allocations in primary education and in the reduction of malnutrition and maternal and infant mortality rates.
Consolidate the progress made towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in the improvement of human development indicators.
We wish Lao PDR the very best.
Thank you, Mr. President.
