WFD is providing technical advice based on the experiences of similar UK democratic institutions, such as the House of Commons, devolved assemblies, and the Ombudsman’s office, as well as WFD’s partner parliaments in other countries that handle public complaints. For example, in June 2017, the UK House of Commons and representatives from Indonesia shared lessons on managing public petitions.

By presenting a variety of examples illustrating different approaches and practices to address citizens’ complaints within targeted timeframes, the programme will help defend citizens’ interests in the governance of Lao PDR.

To further enhance this effort, WFD supports the development and implementation of a Digital Petition Management Tool for the National Assembly Justice Committee. This digital solution will be integrated into existing practices and will draw on international best practices to address public concerns more effectively while fostering trust and transparency in legislative processes.

WFD is working on improving the understanding of the role of the Justice Committee among members at the national and provincial levels across the country. This includes clarifying committee mandates, the law on petitions, coordination mechanisms, as well as establishing an effective oversight system and procedures. This effort is further strengthened by active engagement with key sectoral committees, including the Law Committee, Cultural and Social Affairs Committee, Economic, Technology, and Environment Committee, and the Planning, Finance, and Audit Committee, along with the People’s Provincial Assemblies (PPAs) of Luang Prabang and Khammouane Province, ensuring a comprehensive approach to enhancing parliamentary oversight roles and functions.

In collaboration with the Department of Monitoring, Advertising, and Interpretation under the Law Committee, WFD provides technical support and capacity building to institutionalise Post Legislative Scrutiny as a standard legislative oversight tool. This ensures that legislation remains relevant, impactful, and aligned with national development priorities.

To further broaden the reach of PLS, efforts are underway to expand its application to the provincial level, focusing on the People’s Provincial Assemblies (PPAs) of Luang Prabang and Khammouane Province. The development and refinement of the PLS Guide are integral to this process, providing PPAs with a structured approach to monitor and assess the implementation of laws within their jurisdictions.

In addition to PLS, WFD has collaborated with the Planning, Finance, and Audit Committee to integrate Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) into legislative and oversight processes. GRB ensures that budget allocations and expenditures address the specific needs of women, men, and marginalized groups, promoting gender equality in governance.

WFD's efforts to support the National Assembly (NA) and Provincial People’s Assemblies (PPAs) have focused on enhancing their representational functions through a series of capacity-building initiatives. These activities focus on mainstreaming gender into parliamentary practices and procedures, aiming to create a more gender-sensitive parliament.

As part of its programming, WFD has facilitated critical discussions on how gender-sensitive laws and policies can promote progress toward greater gender equality. This approach aligns with efforts to advance women’s participation in politics and enhance their leadership roles within the political landscape of Laos.

Through these initiatives, WFD seeks to address persistent barriers, equip women with the tools and platforms needed for meaningful political engagement, and ultimately foster an inclusive political system where women’s leadership is recognised and valued.