OUR GOALS
We aim to enrich academic programmes, competence and capacity of individuals in the field of law. By doing so, we seek to strengthen the Rule of law and justice institutions in Lao PDR.
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LATEST NEWS
Project supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Action
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On the 6th of December 2023, the Lao National round of the ICRC International Humanitarian Law Moot Court competition took place at the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLP) organised by the University of Luxembourg through the Inter-University Cooperation Project.
This year, three teams, representing in turn the Defence and the Prosecution, competed against each other. As usual, the fictitious case on which teams were pleading in English was set before the International Criminal Court (ICC). Judges for this year’s national round of the competition included Mr. Jirat Jitwarawong from International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Regional Delegation Bangkok (Legal Adviser) and Ms. Sophia Cason from The Asia Foundation (Chief of Party, Laos Legal Aid Support Program).
The University of Luxembourg organized and financially supported this year’s IHL Moot Court competition. Dr. Lawrence Siry devoted considerable effort in training all participating teams. His weekly online training sessions were instrumental in shaping the legal minds that would grace the courtroom.
This IHL Moot court is a great way to stimulate legal thinking, by applying legal reasoning and learning how to develop arguments appropriately. Students also improved their presentation skills, debating skills and English! After years of virtual pleadings, the winning team is going to Hong-Kong in March 2024.
Congratulations to all the participating teams for their remarkable performance in the national round, and special congratulations to the winning team Ms. Duangdaophet Keobounphanh, Ms. Souphavanh Nanthaphone and Mr. Sonethalin Chanthavong, which will be representing the FLP at the International Round of the competition in March 2024 in Hong-Kong!
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The University of Luxembourg continues to support legal research in Laos. In this regard, a five-day workshop was hosted by the Research Division of the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLP), National University of Laos (NuOL) with technical support from the University of Luxembourg Inter-University Cooperation Project Laos-Luxembourg, and financially supported by LuxDevelopment’s Project LAO/037 dedicated to legal research methodology, qualitative Legal Research on 27th December to 1st December 2023. The event took place in Thalath and was chaired by Mr. Bounkhong Phetdaohoung, Vice Dean of the FLP and Assoc. Prof Viengvilay Theingchanxay, the Dean of the FLP. The workshop brought together over 35 Lao lecturers from the FLP and NuOL, along with invited guest speakers, including Ms. Paulina Baschton, our Inter-University Cooperation Project liaison officer.
The workshop focused on the methodology of scientific research in the field of law. It aimed to provide an understanding of qualitative legal research. Participants followed presentations on the different types of qualitative legal research, learned how to design questionnaires and use basic data analysis. The workshop also covered the essentials of conducting a good research proposal and finding relevant sources for research. During the first day of the workshop, Assoc. Prof Sithixay Xayyavong, a lecturer from the National University of Laos, gave a presentation on the Theory of Qualitative Legal Research Based on Historical Research Methodology. In the afternoon, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dexanourath Seneduangdeth gave a presentation on Types of Qualitative Legal Research. This broadened the participants’ understanding of the different approaches they can take when conducting research not only in the legal field but also in social science research.
The second day of the workshop was devoted to the usage questionnaires and data analyses, the tools commonly used for social science research presented by Prof. Dr. Sunthone Phommasone. In the morning, he started with a presentation on how to design a good questionnaire and shared the questionnaire he conducted in the past as an example. In the afternoon, he introduced the participants to a set of analysis tools that could simplify the process of data gathering and analysis. The attendees were guided on how to use the tool to analyze the information they collected, and the professor encouraged them to learn by doing.
On the third day of the workshop, participants were given instructions on how to use the research tool step-by-step to understand both qualitative and quantitative research. In the afternoon, Ms. Paulina Baschton gave a presentation basic legal research methodology. The participants revisited the key elements for good research proposals and were given time to apply the learned structure to their research proposals. She also recapped different types of research methodologies, as FLP researchers tend to limit themselves to only qualitative and quantitative research.
On the fourth day of the workshop, participants had the opportunity to discuss and interact with each other. Ms. Paulina Baschton began the day with a brief presentation on important elements and key questions of legal research. During the presentation, there was a lot of discussion on distinguishing research objectives and research questions and the need to identify a strong research question. Participants also discussed the problems that can arise with a too broad or too narrow research question. Afterwards, participants were invited to present their research topics that they had come up with during the previous workshop organized by the research department. Ms. Paulina provided feedback on their presentations, specifically on the research objectives and research questions. Many interesting research topics were presented by the participants.
The last day of the workshop was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Viengvilay Theingchanxay, the Dean of the FLP. The workshop focused on finding relevant legal sources for research and began with Mr. Patthanaphone Nammalath, the Project Assistant, giving a brief instruction on how to register and use OpenAthens. OpenAthens is a platform supported by the project to enable remote access to the e-library. Mr. Patthanaphone made sure that all participants were able to access the e-library remotely. Participants were then assigned the task by Ms. Paulina to find two relevant sources related to the topic they presented on the fourth day using the e-library. After the participants found and presented the sources and shared the difficulties they encountered in finding pertinent sources, Ms. Paulina provided feedback on how to define relevant keywords for their research. The participants discussed the difficulties associated with finding sources for legal research in Laos due to the limited literature in Lao language and the difficulties in finding appropriate key words for platforms like the e-library which always includes translations from Lao into English or Thai language.
During the workshop, the participants showed an open-minded approach and actively engaged in constructive discussions and activities and assignments. They raised many questions about legal research and methodology, academic integrity, and how these concepts apply in the context of Lao academia. The workshop was a unique and fruitful gathering of the future “Lao research community,” which emphasized the need for further collaboration to encourage quality legal research. Lastly, at the end of the workshop, the participants were encouraged to participate in the research forum scheduled for December 15th.
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On November 1, 2023, the Inter University Cooperation Project Laos-Luxembourg organized an e-library training for the freshmen at the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLP) of NUOL.
The training was attended by 30 first-year students from the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLP), and it was led by Patthanaphone Nammalath, the project assistant of the Inter University Cooperation project.
Patthanaphone introduced students to the available resources at the university and explained how to access them remotely from outside the campus. The training provided an opportunity for students to learn how to access credible online resources available to them through the e-library to assist them in their coursework and research projects. The training provided a hands-on approach on how to navigate through the e-library using both basic and advanced search options. The trainer provided effective techniques to locate relevant information, enabling students to develop essential research skills. The training enabled students to access reliable online information through the FLP e-library website.
The student participated actively in the training session and expressed satisfaction at the end. The trainer offered a fun and engaging activity via Kahoot. This interactive method allowed the students to practice and review the given information. After the training, up to 40 students register to get remote access to E-library.
This training was highly beneficial for the students, providing them with the opportunity to develop research skills and access reliable online resources. We look forward to similar training session in the future for the benefit of the student community at the FLP.
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In the framework of the Inter-University Cooperation Project the University of Luxembourg is supporting the teaching and capacity development at the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLP) of the National University of Laos.
From June 14th to June 16th, 2023, a three-day seminar on comparative legal traditions was held at the FLP in Vientiane. The project welcomed Professor Elise Poillot, a professor at the University of Luxembourg, as the seminar speaker.
The seminar focused on improving the participants’ legal knowledge of different legal systems and their historical development. Specifically, it compared micro and macro comparisons. The seminar brought together lecturers from the FLP, lecturers from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in Vientiane, and various practitioners, including lawyers who are members of the Lao Bar Association (LBA), judges from the Lao People’s Supreme Court (PSC), and prosecutors from the Lao Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor (OSPP).
During the morning session of the seminar’s first day, attendees were introduced to the criteria used to classify legal traditions. This included a discussion of the historical background of legal systems, types of legal sources, and hybrid legal systems. The purpose of this presentation was to provide participants with a better understanding of the different characteristics of legal systems currently existing around the world.
On the second day of the seminar, participants delved into exploring various legal traditions in Europe, America, Africa, and Asia. The topic of Western legal tradition received the most positive response from attendees, leading to lively discussions between Professor Elise Poillot and the participants. The topic that stood out the most on that day was the development of the court system in civil law countries compared to the countries following the common law systems. Prof. Elise Poillot offered insights into how European Union Law affects each member state. She provided practical examples to illustrate her points and helped attendees gain a better understanding of Western legal traditions. The session was informative and provided valuable knowledge to all participants.
During the final day of the seminar, Professor Elise Poillot delivered a presentation on Islamic law. She also invited participants to ask questions relating to her presentations from the last two days. Many participants posed interesting questions about the sources of law. Major points of interest included the particularities of the common law system due to its distinct nature from the Lao legal system and time was dedicated to adequately explain its characteristics and differences. Upon the seminar’s conclusion, attendees received certificates of attendance, presented by Professor Elise Poillot.
The seminar was a great success thanks to the active participation of the various participants, including prosecutors, practitioners, lawyers, judges, and lecturers from FLP and NIJ. Going forward, the project will continue inviting professors from the University of Luxembourg to provide lectures that aim to enhance the legal knowledge of those working in the field of law, with a particular focus on FLP lecturers and students.
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In the framework of the Inter-University Cooperation Project, the University of Luxembourg is promoting the development of the rule of law. In this context the Inter-University Cooperation Project held its 5th Law Summer School from June 7th to 9th, 2023 in Vientiane Capital. Seventeen candidates were selected based on their interest in improving their legal knowledge for attending the intensive 3-day Law Summer School. This edition included nine law lecturers from the Faculty of Law and Political Science, two law lecturers from the National Institute of Justice, two judges from the People’s Supreme Court, two prosecutors from the training institution of the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor of Lao PDR, and two lawyers from Lao Bar Association.
The Law Summer School aimed to enhance participants knowledge on “Legal Methodology in the Rule of Law State”, a topic, which is highly relevant for interpretation and implementation of laws. The Law Summer School also dealt with paradigms of legal methods, methods of legislation and legislative procedure, methods of application of the law, and International Legal Frameworks, as well as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. This Law Summer School was taught in English by Prof. Stefan BRAUM (University of Luxembourg)), Melina ANASTASOPOULOU (PhD, Uni.lu), Anna MORAITI (PhD, Uni.lu), Stanislav GUBENKO (PhD, Uni.lu), Areti KOLOVOU-NIKOLAKOPOULOU, and facilitated by MS. Paulina BASCHTON (Liaison Officer of University of Luxembourg in Laos) along with an interpreter.
The summer school began with a welcome from Professor Stefan Braum, the project leader. He gave a comprehensive explanation of the Paradigms of Legal Methods in a Rule of Law state and the process of legislation. During the morning session of the first day, the focus was primarily on discussions pertaining to the scope and characteristics of the law, focusing on general and abstract regulations, as well as the reasoning, motivation, and risk assessment involved in creating new laws. The afternoon session focused on legislative procedures in different political systems and forms of democracy. The participants deepened their understanding of the process of transforming a bill into law in different jurisdictions. They also had the opportunity to examine standards for legislation by the executive, including administrative regulations, acts with legislative content, legislative decrees, and emergency laws. Presenters, Melina ANASTASOPOULOU (PhD, Uni.lu) and Anna MORAITI (PhD, Uni.lu), also provided a comparative overview of the relevant provisions under Greek, French, and Luxembourgish law. Following the presentation, the audience actively discussed existing challenges in the legislation process in Lao PDR and possible solutions to these challenges.
On the second day, the focus was on the method of application and interpretation of the law. Participants were divided into two groups and given a hypothetical case to work on and present their findings. Participants were asked to explain their reasoning for applying one of the following interpretation methods to a hypothetical case: interpretation according to wording, historical meaning and purpose, or systematic interpretation. Each group consisted of a judge, prosecutor, and law lecturers with different backgrounds and expertise. Areti KOLOVOU-NIKOLAKOPOULOU (PhD, Uni. Lu) led the presentation and the participants’ pleadings. After the exercise, Prof. Stefan Braum provided feedback on how to improve application of the method of interpretation to solve concrete cases effectively. This session was followed by a presentation from a participant on “Challenges of Legal Application in Lao PDR”.
During the afternoon session, Stanislav GUBENKO (PhD, Uni.lu) gave a presentation on Res Judicata and Judicial Review. Participants gained a better understanding of the functions of Res Judicata and expanded their legal knowledge on the binding nature of court decisions as well as the possibilities of judicial case review. The session was followed by practical and hypothetical cases giving the participants room to discuss possible solutions. At the end of the session, attendees had the chance to take a quiz on the Kahoot Platform prepared by the presenter to test their newly acquired knowledge on res judicata and judicial review.
On the final day of the Law Summer School, the focus was on reviewing the lessons from the past two days. The main points were recapped and concluded in a round-table discussion. Participants had the opportunity to reflect on how to improve teaching and research using legal methodologies. The closing ceremony included the presentation of certificates to all participants, handed out by Prof. Stefan Braum.
The participants of this year’s law summer school demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm and motivation, actively engaging with the guest speakers and each other to recognize the importance of legal methods. For ongoing support and to further enrich their knowledge, every participant was provided with a comprehensive reading list and other relevant learning materials.
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Under the framework of the Inter-University Cooperation Project, the development of capacity building for FLP librarians is given priority along with the establishment of an E-library.
In this context, the Inter-University Cooperation Project Laos-Luxembourg cooperated with the Electronic Information for Libraries in Thailand (EIFL-Thailand) to support strengthening capacity building for FLP librarians at the Faculty of Law and Political Science of the National University of Laos (FLP NUOL). The training was held at the library of the Faculty of Law and Political Science from 24 April – 19 May 2023. The aim of the collaboration with EIFL-Thailand is to transform the FLP library into a well-run facility with knowledgeable librarians.
This 4-week training was led by the EILF experts Mrs. Suratsawadi Ditsakul and Ms. Sompong Oudomdet, Thai experts who have long-standing experiences working in academic libraries. The training was devoted to FLP librarians including Mr. Kherngkham Syhalard (Head of the Library), Ms. Symueng Syvongdaow (Deputy head of the library), Mr. Sungkhone Niyomkham (Head of Library IT), Ms. Khamphpunthone Phenfprachan, Ms. Sirixay Souliyavongsa, and Ms. Somphien Vunpaserd. The main purpose of the training is to improve the management of the FLP library, in particular, to ensure the proper registering, and cataloging to accompany the extensive acquisition of new textbooks supported by our project as well as the accessibility of the acquired materials and to enhance the library environment.
During the first week of training, Thai experts and FLP librarians collaborated to discuss and brainstorm ideas to improve the FLP library. Their focus was on addressing urgent issues that needed attention. The EILF experts showed a video showcasing four libraries: Thammasat Library, Chulalongkorn Library, Bangkok Library, and Orchard Library in Singapore to show best practices and inspire ideas for the development of the FLP library. FLP librarians had the chance to visit two libraries in person during the same week. These included the central library of the National University of Laos and the National Library of Laos. The visit was led by Ms. Paulina Baschton (Liaison Officer of Uni.lu), along with the two EILF experts, Mr. Patthanaphone Nammalath (Uni.lu’s Project Assistant), and 5 FLP librarians. The librarians from both places warmly welcomed the visits. On the final day of the first week, FLP librarians were given the opportunity to share the ideas they gained during the library visits and discuss with the experts how to apply them to the development of the FLP Library.
In the second week, the FLP librarians underwent a skills training session using “Canva”, which was conducted by Mr. Sungkhone Niyomkham, the Head of Library IT. This activity aimed to equip the library staff with the skills to independently create posters, logos, and public relations signs for the library as and when required. Furthermore, the EILF experts studied the library user survey made in 2022 to analyze feedback from students who use the library regularly. They recommended making improvements based on the suggestions provided by these students. This week, the library staff began implementing the recommended library improvement plan. They replaced the old meeting room booking whiteboard with a new computer screen and renovated the rattan table set to provide better reception for library visitors.
The third week of the training focused on the library improvement tasks with support from the EILF experts. Many tasks have been done within this week. Particularly, the shoe cabinet at the entrance of the library has been improved, old books were removed from the library to use the space for organizing journals and foreign books that are useful to students in their thesis writing, and most importantly, based on the recommended rotation schedule for the EILF experts library staff now regularly provides support to students in the dedicated thesis room.
During the last week of training, the FLP librarians were provided with two capacity building presentations on human resource management and customer service skills. The EILF experts believed that these topics would most effectively improve the librarians’ hard and soft skills. In this context the EILF experts suggested a duty sheet model for work management at the FLP library. The details were shared with Ms. Symueng Syvongdaow, the Deputy Head of the library, and included a journal registration form, duty schedule for organizing books, journals, and theses, as well as a work rotation schedule.
During the final day of the training, the EIFL experts presented the results of the 4-week training and made recommendations for further library development. Some of the recommendations included improving service to receive more positive feedback from students, urgently resolving all library feedback, and encouraging students to use the E-library more. The head of the library also gave a brief presentation, stating that the overall result was satisfactory for all FLP Librarians. They expressed a strong commitment to applying the lessons learned in future library development.
The training provided to librarians has made a significant contribution to the FLP library. It has helped to strengthen the knowledge of all library staff in the field of librarianship. The project has achieved great success in library training, and it will continue to support the training of library staff and provide essential materials for the library. This will help enhance the potential of the FLP library and make it a place of advanced technology and progress.
