Lao People’s Democratic Republic enhances labour inspection capacity with focus on national laws and responsible business conduct

Vientiane (ILO News) – Labour inspectors and senior officials from across the Lao People’s Democratic Republic have strengthened their knowledge on national labour laws while gaining insights into global expectations on responsible business conduct (RBC).

Organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MOLSW), the Capacity Building Workshop on Labour Inspection and Supply Chains Due Diligence took place on 11-12 December in Vientiane. The two-day event equipped 90 inspectors, including 20 women, from Vientiane Capital and 17 provinces across the country, with the technical skills to enforce labour laws effectively. It also provided an overall understanding of how their work relates to supply chains and the labour dimension of human rights due diligence.

Participants explored the government’s role in promoting RBC and human rights due diligence, and learning how compliance with national legislation contributes to the competitiveness of Lao exports in international markets.

Delivered by the Department of Labour Management, the sessions also covered the core mandates of the inspectorate, including preparation and documentation, conducting on-site inspections, reporting procedures, and occupational safety and health inspection techniques.

“With a significant number of our labour inspectors being newly appointed, continuous training is essential to ensure they understand the laws and regulations deeply,” said Phongsavanh Saycocie, Director General of the Department of Labour Management, MOLSW. “Strengthening these capacities is vital to guarantee that labour inspection is implemented efficiently and effectively across the country.”

“I would like to extend sincere appreciation to the Department of Labour Management for their commitment to strengthening labour inspection, particularly in the context of evolving supply chains,” said Viengprasith Thiphasouda, ILO National Coordinator in Lao People’s Democratic Republic. “This collaboration ensures that Lao inspectors are well-informed and equipped to enforce the law and promote decent work.”

The workshop was conducted under the ILO’s Building Responsible Value Chains in Asia through the Promotion of Decent Work in Business Operations (Phase II) project, funded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. The project supports enterprises and tripartite constituents in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to promote responsible and sustainable business practices that align with national legal frameworks and the principles of international labour standards, guided by the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy.

© ILO

© ILO