Law and Justice
People across Asia face systemic challenges in resolving their disputes, enforcing their rights, and accessing benefits to which they are legally entitled. Our law and justice programs support Asian efforts to protect the legal rights of vulnerable groups, strengthen dispute resolution processes, and reform dysfunctional laws, policies, institutions, and practices.
Bringing legal advice and representation to Lao citizens
Rule of law is still nascent in Laos. Where legal frameworks or policies exist, Laos lacks effective mechanisms to implement such laws; and there is low awareness of many laws and rights among citizens. The Asia Foundation promotes greater understanding of and access to justice, focusing in particular on legal aid and village mediation in order to ensure that rural and disadvantaged populations are served by the justice system. Working with the Lao Bar Association and Ministry of Justice, we have contributed to building the capacity of the legal profession and empowering citizens to access legal information and rights. The Asia Foundation also supports the National Assembly in their role of monitoring government officials’ adherence to the rule of law.
LAW AND JUSTICE NEWS
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No Happiness without the Trees: Bhutan’s Trailblazing Environmental Law
March 29, 2023
Blog
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For Indonesians Who Can’t Afford a Lawyer, Justice Is Out of Reach
February 8, 2023
Blog
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The Asia Foundation Co-hosts on Restorative Justice Conference in Indonesia
Jakarta
November 15, 2022
News
Thai Forensic Science 101
To strengthen criminal justice administration and improve access to justice in Thailand, we helped train more than 100 public prosecutors, forensic police, and other criminal justice officials, and over 200 human rights lawyers. We also supported the reform of laws and regulations governing forensic investigation and produced an acclaimed set of animated films on forensic investigation and evidence that have been adopted as teaching resources by the Office of the Attorney General and the Royal Thai Police.
HIGHLIGHTS ACROSS ASIA
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No Happiness without the Trees: Bhutan’s Trailblazing Environmental Law
March 29, 2023
Blog -
Applications Open for the 2023 William P. Fuller Fellowship in Peacebuilding
San Francisco
March 14, 2023
News
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The Women Defending Indonesia’s Forests
March 8, 2023
Blog -
Strengthening Economic Cooperation: The Asia Foundation Hosts APEC Secretariat in San Francisco and Silicon Valley
San Francisco
March 6, 2023
News
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Exit Interview: The Asia Foundation’s David Arnold
February 22, 2023
Blog -
Asia Foundation and Australian National University Helps Strengthen Relations Between Thailand and Australia
February 17, 2023
Media Coverage
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