60 years of partnership: The Lao People's Democratic Republic and ILO

© ILO

© ILO

VIENTIANE (ILO news) – The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has marked the 60th anniversary of its membership in the International Labour Organization (ILO), celebrating a long-standing partnership dedicated to advancing decent work, social justice and sustainable development.

The Lao People's Democratic Republic joined the International Labour Organization on 23 January 1964. A ceremony to mark the anniversary took place in Vientiane on 5 December bringing together members of the government, representatives of employers and workers organisations as well as ILO representatives to mark the occasion.

ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, praised the sixty-year partnership though a video message, stating: “On this special occasion, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to our constituents for their exceptional collaboration, partnership, and commitment to advancing decent work and social justice.”

Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Deputy Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, stated: “On behalf of the Lao Government, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to implementing ILO conventions, in particular the ones we have already ratified. We will continue to work with the tripartite partners in the country to explore the possibility of adopting and ratifying other conventions that are deemed relevant and beneficial to the country and Lao workers.”

Baykham Khattiya, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare said: “The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, as the government representative, plays a vital role in fostering strong relationships between workers and employers. This is to safeguard their rights and benefits. Significant progress has been made in integrating the conventions ratified by Lao PDR into policies, laws, and subordinate legislation.”

Vilay Vongkhaserm, Vice President of the Lao Federation of Trade Unions shared: "ILO has consistently collaborated with the Lao Federation of Trade Unions, particularly through various projects that promote decent and fair work. These efforts aim to ensure the protection of rights, benefits, and justice for all workers and employees, focusing on providing access and social protection, security and health care."

Xaybandith Rasphone, Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry added: “I would like to express my gratitude to the ILO for its support in implementing various activities, particularly promoting decent work. Moreover, I would like to emphasize how important it is to comply with global standards by aligning international conventions with Lao laws. Another critical focus for us is occupational safety and health."

Over the past sixty years, the partnership between Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the ILO has improved workers’ rights, livelihoods and socio-economic standards.

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has ratified 12 ILO conventions, including 7 fundamental ones, strengthening labour protections. A landmark Employment Law was enacted in 2023, supported by the ILO, alongside progress in aligning social protection and health insurance laws and policies with international standards. The development of National Skills Standards has been facilitated while vocational education reforms and capacity building have been supported through South-South Cooperation initiatives with China.

Efforts to combat child labour and promote fair migration have yielded tangible results, with new regulations enhancing labour migration governance. Entrepreneurship programs have supported micro and small businesses, while workers and employers benefit from improved awareness of social protection rights.

“ILO will certainly provide ongoing support to Lao PDR during this journey. We pledge to work together towards achieving decent work, social justice and ensuring no one is left behind,” said Xiaoyan Qian, ILO Country Director for Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand.