According to the Laos Population and Housing Consensus Report of 2016. In the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) there are approximately 160,881 people, (2.8 per cent of the population above the age of 5 years old ) living with a disability. In 2014 the Government of Lao PDR took fundamental steps toward improved income security for this important group through the adoption of the Decree on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (DRPD), which outlines the rights of persons with disabilities in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. As such, the Government of Lao PDR now recognises the right of persons with disabilities to income security and the responsibility of the Sate in providing adequate living conditions.
Provisions for social welfare are outlined in Articles 31 and 32 of the DPRD. Article 31 states that the "State shall enhance the living conditions of persons with disabilities by providing them with food, clothing, shelter and a decent environment suitable for their life. Article 32 expands on this, stipulating that "administrative authorities at various levels should cooperate with social organisations to uplift persons with disabilities" and that a "monthly allowance determined by the State" must be made. Lao PDR's DPRD is complemented by the Decree on Appointing the National Commission for Disabled persons, which established a cross-ministerial body to act as the national focal point on disability matters and to advise on national policy, programmes and services for persons with disabilities. It is further complemented by the Decree on Social Security for Corporate Employees, which regulates allowances for work accidents and long-term allowances for permanent loss of ability to work. Provisions for public employees are outlined in the Decree on a Social Security Scheme for Government Workers.
Based on the decrees outlined above, the Government of Lao PDR now has a strong mandate to provide basic income security and adequate care for persons with disabilities. Through this legal framework lawmakers in Lao PDR have demonstrated political will to uphold equality and ensure that provisions for income security and care form strong legal foundations for the creation of a social protection floor that is inclusive of persons with disabilities.
Further Reading:
- Government of the Lao People’s Republic (2014). Decree on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Accessed from: https://dredf.org/international/LPDR1.doc on February 22 2016.