The JuSTICE Project supported the first study tour and exchange of expertise with the Ecole Nationale de la Magistrature (ENM) in France from 9-18 September 2023. The delegation from Lao PDR was led by Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Justice, H.E. Ketsana Phommachan, and focused on enhancing judicial training and strengthening international cooperation for Lao justice sector. The ten-member delegation from the National Institute of Justice, the Research and Training Institute of the People’s Supreme Court, and the Research and Training Institute of the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor, and the Lao Bar Association, visited the French National School for the Judiciary (École Nationale de la Magistrature/ENM) in Bordeaux and Paris, France.
During the visit, the delegation took part in several key activities at the French National School for the Judiciary (ENM), gaining valuable insights into the institution’s history, structure, judge and prosecutor training programmes, and admissions process. The group also visited the Bordeaux Court, where they exchanged views on judicial practices and case adjudication.
Meetings with ENM Director Ms. Nathalie Roret, other representatives of French training institutions, and Mr. Cyrille Bellier, Head of the Asia Desk at Agence Française de Développement (AFD), helped to strengthen institutional ties.
The study visit led to important outcomes. It renewed interest in cooperation, including a review of past collaboration between Laos and ENM (2013–2016), and opened discussions on future partnerships. Notably, the two sides agreed to work together on training activities for Lao practitioners under the JuSTICE Project, with exchanges set to begin soon.
By leveraging international collaboration and expertise, the Ministry of Justice is committed to creating a more effective legal framework, aligned with global best practices, and fostering innovation and excellence in the legal and judicial sectors for Lao PDR.
Photos by: The Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Justice
