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Laos, ASEAN Vow to Uphold Women’s, Senior Citizens’ Rights

This Week

Laos along with other members of the bloc has vowed to safeguard women and older people’s rights to create a more inclusive society during the 11th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development chaired by Malaysia last month.

The meeting was held under the theme, “Accelerating the Implementation of ASEAN Commitments for Gender Equality through Gender Mainstreaming and Social Inclusion.”

At the event, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Mr. Phongsaisack Intharath, said the Lao government will strive to provide a better quality of life for all, especially by focusing on protecting the rights of women and vulnerable groups.

Members of the bloc also emphasized the need to formulate and implement national social protection policies including a social assistance program, and combating human trafficking, especially that of women and children.

In order to address these issues, ASEAN members were advised to increase funding by working closely with ASEAN negotiation partner countries. They were also encouraged to establish social programs and promote gender equality.

Furthermore, the bloc was advised to develop regional strategies and enhance institutional capacity for gender mainstreaming in ASEAN policies, programs, and budgets across multiple sectors while ensuring inclusive participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. Special attention also needs to be devoted to those in disadvantaged situations, including minority groups, children, young people, women, persons with disabilities, and older persons.

The four-day meeting was held to enhance cooperation between the bloc members’ governments and NGOs, along with its Plus Three partners, China, Japan, and South Korea.

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