A/HRC/41/39/Add.2 Reduction Fund, focused on developing the poorest villages. 7 Such development has been achieved, despite the lasting contamination of the countryside with unexploded ordnance dropped by the United States of America between 1964 and 1973, a shameful legacy that continues to contribute to poverty, and the preceding and far-reaching harms inflicted by colonial aggressors. 5. Lifting people above a minimal income level must be the beginning, not the end, of the Government’s efforts, and the rapid economic growth of the country has not led to commensurate poverty reduction. Unfortunately, many who escape the official poverty designation remain close to the poverty line or subsequently fall below it. In 2012, 80 per cent of the population still lived on less than $2.50 per day. 8 Eighty-eight per cent of children experienced some form of deprivation, with dire consequences for lifelong productivity and social participation. 9 There is a lower ratio of poverty reduction to economic growth in the country than in other countries in the region, and inequality is on the rise.10 6. The problem lies in part with the Government’s strategies for achieving aggregate economic growth, which are often implemented on the advice of international actors. An excessive focus on large infrastructure projects such as hydropower and railways, land concessions, resource extraction and foreign investment incentives has disproportionately benefited wealthy elites and saddled the country with large debt repayment obligations, without raising significant tax revenue or generating significant employment for Lao people. Without adequate investment in education, health and a strong social protection system to support the many people left behind by the transitioning economy, a large proportion of the population has benefitted very little from the economic boom. 7. Persistent structural barriers prevent the full realization of human rights by people in poverty, in particular those in rural areas, women and those belonging to ethnic minority groups. Although the Government has adopted many impressive pieces of legislation and elaborate policy statements, meaningful implementation is too often lacking. The international community, which has had a major role in advising and financing the Government, has not done enough to ensure that economic growth is geared towards improving the lives of the majority of Lao people, rather than just ticking boxes and meeting targets. 8. It doesn’t have to be this way. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is a country rich in natural resources, with a diverse, young population. The Special Rapporteur met with Lao people who were deeply committed to improving the well-being of all, but were struggling to operate in limited civic space, while providing health care, education and other services in remote areas with limited resources and uncertain pay. He spoke with people working tirelessly to support their families and communities and met with many government officials who were clearly dedicated and eager to find effective approaches. If the Government can be encouraged to adopt policies of transparency and meaningful participation and engage in genuine public dialogue, a huge amount could be accomplished in terms of promoting sustainable development and alleviating poverty. 9. It is a significant development that the Government has begun engaging with international human rights mechanisms and issuing invitations to special rapporteurs, after a long hiatus. The Special Rapporteur was encouraged to hear that the Government plans to invite one of the special procedures mandate holders to visit each year and to learn from the Prime Minister’s Office that the country is looking to accede to the International 7 8 9 10 4 Meeting with Poverty Reduction Fund, 25 March 2019. World Bank, “Lao PDR Poverty Policy Notes”, p. 9. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Ministry of Planning and Investment, SDGs and Children: Measuring Progress on Child Wellbeing in Lao PDR (preliminary report, 2018), p. 12. World Bank, “Poverty Profile in Lao PDR: Poverty Report for the Lao Consumption and Expenditure Survey 2012–2013”, p. 8. Available from http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/868521467998508506/pdf/100120-WP-P146141PUBLIC-Box393225B-Poverty-Profile-in-Lao-PDR-publication-version-12-19-14.pdf.