A/HRC/61/49/Add.1 6. The contribution of hydropower to poverty reduction is questioned by stakeholders, who regret a lack of transparency concerning costs, partners and lending agreements. This renders the full impact of the sector on people’s livelihoods and the debt burden difficult to assess. In addition, production of hydropower reportedly leads to serious social and environmental impacts, undermining livelihoods, food security and the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. III. Strengths in and obstacles to realizing cultural rights in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic A. Law and practice 7. During the visit, the Lao authorities underlined their dedication to cultural rights, recognizing them as vital for the country’s national identity and the rich diversity of its 50 ethnic groups. 8. Cultural rights are enshrined in the Constitution, last modified in March 2025, specifically in article 8, which guarantees “all ethnic groups the right to preserve, promote and develop their fine traditions, customs and cultures as well as those of the nation”. Article 46 guarantees the freedom to “conduct studies in and to apply advanced sciences, techniques and technologies, to create artistic and literary works and to engage in cultural activities which are not contrary to the laws”. 9. The Special Rapporteur appreciates that these provisions seemed to be well known among officials, who often referred to the Constitution and to relevant laws and guidelines adopted by the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. 10. However, it proved difficult to receive even general information on challenges or shortcomings in concrete efforts to implement cultural rights. Throughout the exchanges, references to the Constitution and existing legislation were repeatedly used to demonstrate implementation, seemingly on the assumption that the legal framework is perfect and uniformly applied in practice. This approach leaves limited space for reflection on gaps between law and implementation. The Special Rapporteur regrets that opportunities for candid discussion of challenges were constrained, particularly given the context of a special procedure mandate holders visit, as the basis for such visits is constructive dialogue. 11. The Special Rapporteur reiterates the importance of a strong legal framework protecting cultural rights in accordance with international human rights treaties, but stresses that it is no less important to ensure that implementation policies and practices are in consonance with those treaties. B. Principle of non-discrimination in the context of cultural diversity 12. The Special Rapporteur appreciates the State’s commitment to the principle of non-discrimination. Various policies are aimed at promoting equality and addressing discrimination in accordance with the Constitution and related legislation. Articles 8, 35 and 36 of the Constitution protect the right to equality before the law and affirm the Government’s commitment to unity and equality among all ethnic groups, prohibiting all acts that create division or discrimination among ethnic groups. Given this emphasis, it is surprising that the country lacks a dedicated anti-discrimination law. 13. The understanding of non-discrimination articulated by public authorities is not aligned with international standards. All officials, when asked, stated that non-discrimination meant that everyone was treated “the same”, and that measures to protect the cultural rights of some specific people or groups would not be possible due to the principle of non-discrimination. GE.26-01463 3