Launch of the Climate and Environmental Justice Component of the JuSTICE Project

2025, the JuSTICE Project officially launched the Climate and Environmental Justice (CEJ) Initiative in Laos on 3 February 2024, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the environmental rule of law. This initiative aims to enhance legal enforcement, build institutional capacity, and raise awareness of environmental standards to address pressing challenges such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.

The launch event was opened by Vice Minister of Justice Ketsana Phommachanh, who underscored the importance of reinforcing environmental governance in line with Laos’ international commitments, including the Paris Agreement. Ms. Nathalie Brat, Head of the Cooperation Section at the French Embassy in Laos, highlighted France’s partnership with Laos in advancing environmental justice, while Mr. Khamphone Sipaseuth, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Justice, provided an overview of the JuSTICE Project’s role in promoting stronger legal frameworks. Mr. Matthew Baird, the Environmental Law Expert of the JuSTICE Project, introduced key initiatives aimed at improving climate and environmental justice in Laos.

Key Speech by Vice Minister of Justice, H.E. Ketsana Phommachanh | ©JuSTICE Project

The event gathered about 60 participants, including representatives from government agencies, the judiciary, international organisations, and civil society, all working towards a shared goal of strengthening environmental law enforcement.

Through specialised training for legal professionals, awareness-raising efforts, and improved enforcement mechanisms, the JuSTICE Project is actively working to ensure that environmental laws are not only enacted but effectively upheld. By fostering cooperation among legal institutions and key stakeholders, the initiative reinforces the foundations of environmental rule of law, ensuring greater accountability and justice for future generations.