New Decree Opens Way for Civil Society in Laos
With a single-party government and state-run media, civil society in Laos is one of the most limited in the world. Since the founding of the Lao PDR in 1975, the state has disseminated information and policies, delivered basic social services, and consulted the public through state-funded mass organizations which are part of the communist party structure (such as the Lao Women’s Union, Lao Revolutionary Youth Union, and the Lao Front for National Construction). With hundreds of thousands of members, well-organized communication and outreach structures, high levels of respect, and a presence throughout the country in even the most remote villages, these mass organizations have dominated the space that civil society organizations traditionally occupy in other countries and political contexts.

Laos remains one of the lowest ranked countries in Asia for almost all measures of human development, including living a long and healthy life, having access to education, and access to purified drinking water.
Though little known or utilized, under Article 44 of the Lao Constitution, civil society groups in the official form of “associations” are legally permitted in Laos. The constitution states, “Lao citizens have the right and freedom of speech, press and assembly, and have the right to set up associations and to stage demonstrations which are not contrary to the laws.”
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