A/HRC/61/49/Add.1 Annex Report of the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, Alexandra Xanthaki, on her visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic I. Introduction 1. The Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights conducted a visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic from 19 to 29 November 2024. She thanks the Government for its invitation, which is an expression of the Government’s renewed commitment to the United Nations human rights system. The Special Rapporteur appreciates the good collaboration with the Government in organizing the visit and the considerable efforts made to always accommodate her requests. 2. The Special Rapporteur visited Vientiane, as well as Luang Prabang Province, where she visited the city of Luang Prabang and several villages. She travelled to Khammouane Province, in particular Hin Nam No National Park. She held meetings with government officials at the national, regional and local levels, including the Deputy Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials. She also had exchanges with representatives of international organizations, including United Nations entities and the Mekong River Commission, and with development partners such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and some States. She spoke with members of civil society organizations, including non-profit associations recognized in the country, and with chiefs and residents of villages. 3. The Special Rapporteur thanks all stakeholders for the information shared. She extends her gratitude to the United Nations country team and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for their assistance and support in the preparation and conduct of the visit. II. General context 4. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is identified by the United Nations as one of the 44 least developed countries; it is scheduled for graduation from the category in 2026.1 This will mark an important step, and is occurring at a time in which the Government is prioritizing efforts to reduce poverty through economic development and to improve the livelihoods of people, including by developing access to crucial infrastructure and essential services in the areas of health, water and sanitation, food and education, in particular for remote communities. 5. From 2000 until recently, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was among the fastest growing economies in the world, driven mostly by the mining and hydropower sectors and infrastructure development. The high growth rates have resulted in poverty reduction and improvements in health, education and economic status. However, poverty has decreased at a slower pace than in other fast-growing countries in the region. Inequality has risen, with poverty reduction significantly slower among the non-Lao-Tai ethnic groups, especially those living in mountainous and remote areas. The need to service large external debts, accompanied by high import prices and limitations on foreign exchange, has led to a shrinking fiscal space and a substantial reduction of public spending on social services. 2 Other critical obstacles on the road to development include corruption, and unexploded ordnance throughout the territory. 1 2 2 See https://unctad.org/topic/least-developedcountries/list#:~:text=There%20are%20currently%2045%20economies%20designated%20by%20the %20United%20Nations. World Bank Group, Linking Laos, Unlocking Policies: Lao PDR Country Economic Memorandum (Washington, D.C., International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank, 2022). GE.26-01463