Government and partners launch new push to end early marriage in Lao PDR

Vientiane, 29 April 2026 - The Government of Lao PDR today launched the National Advisory Group on Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with the Australian Government, UNICEF and UNFPA. This is new platform to strengthen coordination, sharpen priorities, and accelerate action to protect adolescent girls and help them stay healthy, in school, and on track for the future. 

Through the coordination mandate of and chaired by the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children, the National Advisory Group brings together government, UN and partners under the Australia-supported Towards Universal Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in the Indo-Pacific (TUSIP) regional programme, implemented from June 2026 until June 2028.

“The launch of this National Advisory Group reflects the Lao Government’s commitment to stronger, more coordinated action to successfully end child, early and forced marriage,” said Ms. Phanchinda Lengsavad, Vice President of Lao Women’s Union, and Vice Chairperson of NCAWMC. “Protecting adolescent girls and expanding their opportunities is essential to the well-being of families and to the future development of our country.”

Child, early and forced marriage remains a serious challenge across the region, driving adolescent pregnancy, school dropout, poorer health outcomes and fewer economic opportunities for girls. It also comes at a cost to the country: recent analysis by UNICEF and the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences estimates annual losses of roughly US$40 million, including lost productivity associated with early school leaving. 

“Australia is pleased to support Lao PDR, UNICEF and UNFPA through TUSIP,” said James Morschel, Acting Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy in Lao PDR. “Ending early marriage is not only about protecting rights and health - it is also about helping girls stay in school, build skills and contribute to the country’s development.”

The National Advisory Group will provide strategic guidance, strengthen alignment with national priorities and help shape future action to address child, early and forced marriage in Lao PDR.

“Child, early and forced marriage limits girls' choices and opportunities,” said Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, UNFPA Representative to Lao PDR. “Stronger coordination, better evidence and sustained partnerships can help ensure every girl can shape her own future.”

Through TUSIP, UNICEF and UNFPA are working with the Government of Lao PDR, line ministries, mass organisations and local partners in a collective effort to address the drivers of early marriage and expand opportunities for adolescents, especially girls. The programme combines policy support, coordination, community engagement and work to improve access to information and services.

“When a girl stays in school, avoids early pregnancy and gains skills, the benefits reach far beyond one child,” said Mr Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, UNICEF Country Representative to Lao PDR. “This is how countries build human capital, strengthen communities and move closer to inclusive, sustainable growth.”

This effort supports Lao PDR’s broader development ambitions, including the goals of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan, by helping girls remain in school longer, delay pregnancy, build skills and contribute more fully to the country’s social and economic progress.