United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has urged the government of Laos to prioritize human rights in its budget allocations to ensure sustainable development and reduce inequality. During his visit to Vientiane, the first by a UN rights chief, Türk met with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and other senior officials to discuss the human rights situation in the country.

Türk highlighted the challenge posed by public debt but stressed that debt repayment should not hinder the government’s obligation to allocate resources for economic and social rights. "It is against this background that I regret the declining public spending on social services, including social protection, health, and education," he stated.

The High Commissioner emphasized that human rights should be integral to budget planning, warning that insufficient investment in key areas like education and health would exacerbate societal problems and increase inequalities. He praised the Lao government's development efforts but called for the integration of human rights to ensure sustainability.

Türk addressed several critical issues, including child marriage, gender inequality, and the impact of infrastructure projects on local communities. He underscored the importance of civil society’s participation in tackling these challenges and called for protection against intimidation and harassment for those voicing public concerns.

Türk also urged continued investigations into forced disappearances, including the case of Sombath Somphone, a rural development expert and activist who has been missing since December 2012.

During his visit, Türk acknowledged legislative reforms such as the ban on corporal punishment of children and noted progress in poverty reduction, which has improved living conditions for some segments of the population.