VP urges justice officials to ensure law enforcement 

Vice President Phankham Viphavanh yesterday advised the justice sector to strictly implement the country’s laws in a bid to ensure justice for all members of society.
He made the comment at the national justice sector meeting which took place from January 28-29 at the International Cooperation and Training Centre in Vientiane.

The meeting reviewed the past year’s work especially the justice sector’s operations and the development of laws.
The meeting, which was attended by over 200 government officials, also approved the sector’s future work plan.
Mr Phankham said effective implementation of the law and upholding justice was the most important function of justice officials. Members of the public had been expressing concern and urging the state to improve this aspect of government.
He said there was a close relationship between people’s trust and confidence in the Party and state and the effective implementation of laws. To ensure that laws were enforced, the vice president advised the justice sector, in particular prosecutors and the National Assembly, to play a greater role in monitoring law enforcement.
In addition, he said mechanisms should be established to allow other sectors, such as the media, and channels that accepted comments from the public, to help the justice sector monitor law enforcement.  
In other advice, Mr Phankham asked those responsible for drafting laws to be more aware of their core role and duty as representatives of the state in supporting the national mission of protection and development, adding that this was a key foundation for building socialism.
“It can be said with certainty that the country’s mission will not be achieved if the legal system is weak,” he said.
The vice president also urged the justice sector to improve the skills of its personnel to meet the growing needs of the country and ensure effective law enforcement. During the meeting, justice officials agreed on plans to raise public awareness of changes to laws, build the capacity of officials, and resolve unsettled legal issues. 
The ministry will also continue the development of justice and focus on 23 legal matters including 10 new laws and 13 improvements to laws, according to the plan.
The ministry will carry on working with foreign nations and international organisations to get advice on the administration of justice and share experiences to move the sector forward.

ByTimes Reporters
(Latest Update January 30, 2019)