From September 9th to 18th, 2023, Mr. Ketsana Phommachan, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Justice, led a delegation of 10 representatives 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 to undertake a study tour with the French National School for the Judiciary (École Nationale de la Magistrature) in Bordeaux and Paris, France.

Purpose of the Study Tour

The visit aimed to:

1. Exchange perspectives on the professional judicial training needs of Laos.
2. Develop strategic plans to strengthen the coordination and operations of judicial training institutions in Laos.
3. Establish a partnership between the French National School for the Judiciary and Lao judicial training institutions for both initial and ongoing professional development.

Main Activities of the Study Tour

The tour included the following key activities:

1. Visit to the French National School for the Judiciary (Bordeaux)

• Explored the institution’s background, organizational structure, and initial training programs.
• Gained insights into admission processes, including examinations for students, employees, and career changers aspiring to become judges and prosecutors.
• Reviewed the strategic and master plans, as well as their database and document management systems.

2. Study Tour at the Bordeaux Court

• Observed court operations and exchanged lessons on case adjudication practices.

3. Visit to the French National School for the Judiciary (Paris)

• Examined continuing professional development programs for legal professionals.
• Held discussions with Ms. Nathalie Roret, Director of the French National School for the Judiciary, and representatives from other training institutions including the Professional Training School for Lawyers and the Judge’s Assistant Academy.

4. Meeting with Agence Française de Développement (AFD)

• Presented progress on the JuSTICE project by the Ministry of Justice’s Department of International Cooperation.
• Discussed challenges in advancing climate and environmental justice and plans for future initiatives.
• Received feedback and recommendations from AFD to enhance project outcomes.

The delegation met with Mr. Cyrille Bellier, Head of the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Asia Department at Agence Française de Développement (AFD), in Paris. Key discussions included:

• A progress report on the JuSTICE project implementation, presented by the Director of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Justice.
• Challenges faced in advancing climate and environmental justice and future plans for the project.
• Feedback from AFD on the project’s implementation and recommendations to ensure objectives are achieved.

Outcomes of the Study Tour

This visit strengthened cooperation between Laos and the French National School for the Judiciary, achieving the following milestones:

• Reviewed past collaborations (2013–2016) and explored opportunities for future partnerships.
• Drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize bilateral cooperation.
• Developed an action plan supported by AFD to enhance judicial training and professional development in Laos.

Significance

The study tour represents a major step forward in building the capacity of Lao judicial professionals and modernizing the country’s justice system. By leveraging international collaboration and expertise, the Ministry of Justice aims to create a more robust and effective legal framework, aligned with global best practices.

This initiative underscores the Ministry’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the legal and judicial sectors, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for Laos.

Photos by: The Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Justice