Pathways to Justice: Learning from the past, charting the future in Asia, Laos (2006–2025) 

Over the past two years, The Asia Foundation conducted a historical documentation of its decades-long work in the law and justice sector across Bangladesh, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste. The resulting publication series, Pathways to Justice: Learning from the past, charting the future in Asia, captures key findings and lessons, along with recommendations and opportunities for future justice sector reforms and programming across the region. 

Pathways to Justice: Learning from the past, charting the future in Asia, Laos (2006–2025) is the first publication in the series. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in Laos, the report traces how TAF has worked with the Government of Lao PDR, the Lao Bar Association, civil society, and international partners to strengthen access to justice, professionalize the legal sector, and embed evidence-based governance. 

The country profile highlights TAF’s role in supporting the establishment of a nationwide legal aid system, now comprising 94 offices across ten provinces, while also strengthening village mediation and supporting the National Assembly’s capacity for legislative scrutiny. It also reflects challenges related to sustainability, coordination, and data systems, and identifies priorities for future collaboration under the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan. Overall, the publication documents Laos’ gradual but significant progress toward a more inclusive, people-centered justice system.