Harm Reduction International and the World Coalition against the Death Penalty (hereafter: World Coalition) welcome the opportunity to submit information to the Human Rights Committee ahead of its review of the periodic report of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (hereafter: Lao PDR), at its 123rd Session.

This submission will assess the compatibility of key drug control policies and practices pursued by Lao PDR with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Accordingly, information will be provided on:
(a) The death penalty for drug offences (as per para. 9, List of Issues)
(b) Arbitrary arrest and detention of people who use drugs and “drug offenders” (as per paras. 12 and 15, List of Issues)