AHRC President Rosalind Croucher, Ambassador for Human Rights Ms Bronte Moules and Director-General of DTL Mr Phoukhoung Sisoulath sign an MOU at the Launch Event for Phase III of the Australia-Laos HRTCP in Canberra, November 2023. Building knowledge and skills on human rights treaties reporting in Lao PDR Since 2019, the Australian Human Rights Commission has been formally managed a Human Rights Technical Cooperation Program between Australia and Laos, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 2023-24 marked the first year of Phase III of this program and saw strengthened relationships as well as notable advancements in awareness and capacity on human rights reporting among key stakeholders in Laos. As a direct result of this program, the Department of Treaty and Law (DTL) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was able to expedite progress on submitting its UPR and Treaty Body reports to UN mechanisms. Our partners have reported that without the longterm and flexible support provided by the program, it would not be possible for them to plan ahead in the drafting process, convene stakeholders from different ministries, or have the resources to deliver reports. After 10 years, Laos is on track to deliver its initial report under the Convention Against Torture in late 2024. DTL officials have reported that without the assistance provided by the Commission, the current momentum on reporting would not be possible. The program has also had a tangible impact on the quality and effectiveness of human rights reporting. As a result of the technical assistance provided by AHRC staff and other experts supported by the Commission, DTL have identified ways to improve and streamline the reporting process. For example, based on information shared during program activities they plan to use annexes to report more holistically on progress to implement recommendations from a previous reporting cycle, and adopt simplified reporting procedures for reporting against some Conventions. Renewed momentum on human rights reporting has helped to build awareness of human rights issues in Laos with a wider range of stakeholders, including the National Human Rights Committee, representatives from various government ministries, and selected non-profit associations. Across the five program activities held this year, over 200 individuals have received training in human rights reporting and increased their awareness of human rights treaties and international law. For the Commission, our involvement in human rights technical cooperation projects is tied to our unique mandate as an NHRI in the international human rights system. International engagement also ensures the quality and strategic impact of Commission domestic human rights activities, as it promotes best human rights practice and helps ensure that Australia continues to demonstrate leadership in and commitment to human rights in our region. Annual Report 2023–2024 • 53