Background

The United Nations Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, Ms. Alexandra Xanthaki, will conduct a country visit to Lao People's Democratic Republic from 19 to 29 November 2024, at the invitation of the Government.

The visit will address good practices as well as obstacles to the promotion and protection of cultural rights and will seek to identify challenges regarding the full implementation of these rights for all. The general focus will be on the participation of all in accessing, contributing to and shaping cultural life and respect for diversity in society. Other specific issues are still to be determined, taking into consideration information received from different stakeholders, including through this call.

During the visit, the Special Rapporteur will hold meetings with representatives of the Government, public institutions, international organizations, civil society, non-governmental organizations, academics, artists and other cultural practitioners, including those of minority or marginalized groups.

At the end of the visit, and as per usual practice, the Special Rapporteur will host a press conference to share her preliminary findings with the broader public. Additional information on the time and the venue of the press conference will be shared in due course.

The report will include recommendations to support the efforts of the Government and other stakeholders in realizing cultural rights.

Learn more about the Special Rapporteur here.

Key questions and types of input/comments sought

In preparation of the visit, the Special Rapporteur would be grateful to receive from all interested stakeholders:

• Information and suggestions on priority issues, concerns and situations that warrant the Special Rapporteur's attention, in terms of both good practices and possible challenges to access, take part in and contribute to cultural life, for all groups and situations.
• Information and suggestions on related places to visit, in various parts of the country, including specific cultural initiatives and institutions.
• Information and suggestions on government officials, public institutions, international organizations, civil society, non-governmental organizations, academics, artists and other cultural practitioners or relevant persons to meet in the different regions.

How inputs will be used

All inputs will be used to inform the preparation of the country visit and the report to the Human Rights Council. The Special Rapporteur greatly appreciates the effort that goes into making such contributions and looks forward to reading them.