Chapter IV. Fundamental Rights and Obligations of Citizens
Article 34 (Amended)
Lao citizens are persons who hold Lao nationality as provided by the laws.
The State acknowledges, respects, protects and ensure the human rights and fundamental rights of citizens in accordance with the laws.
Article 35
Lao citizens are all equal before the law irrespective of their gender, social status, education, beliefs and ethnic group.
Article 36 (Amended)
Lao citizens aged eighteen years and above have the right to vote and those aged twenty years and above have the right to be elected, except insane persons, persons with mental disorders and persons whose rights to vote and to be elected have been revoked by a court.
Article 37
Citizens of both genders enjoy equal rights in the political, economic, cultural and social fields and in family affairs.
Article 38 (Amended)
Lao citizens have the right to research, education, and learning in order to develop themselves toward an advanced level.
Article 39
Lao citizens have the right to work and engage in occupations which are not contrary to the laws.
Working people have the right to rest, to receive medical treatment in times of illness, [and] to receive assistance in the event of incapacity or disability, in old age, and in other cases as provided by the laws.
Article 40
Lao citizens have the freedom of settlement and movement as provided by the laws.
Article 41 (Amended)
Lao citizens have the right to propose, lodge complaints and petitions to the relevant State organizations in connection with issues pertaining to the public interest or to their own rights and interests.
Proposals, complaints and petitions of citizens must be examined and resolved as provided by the laws.
Article 42 (Amended)
Lao citizens have the right to prevent the violations to their life, body, integrity and properties.
Lao citizens will not be arrested, imprison or searched without the order of the Public Prosecutor or the people’s courts, except if otherwise provided by the laws.
Article 43 (Amended)
Lao citizens have the right and freedom to believe or not to believe in religions which are not contrary to the laws.
Article 44
Lao citizens have the right and freedom of speech, press and assembly; and have the right to set up associations and to stage demonstrations which are not contrary to the laws.
Article 45 (Amended)
Lao citizens have the right and freedom to conduct research and apply scientific technologies and innovation; to create artistic and literary works [;] and to engage in cultural activities which are not contrary to the laws.
Article 46
The State protects the legitimate rights and interests of Lao citizens residing abroad.
Article 47 (Amended)
Lao citizens have the obligation to respect and implement the Constitution and the laws, to strictly observe labor discipline, [and to comply with] the regulations relating to social life and public order.
Article 48
Lao citizens have the obligation to pay duties and taxes in accordance with the laws.
Article 49
Lao citizens have the obligation to defend the country, to maintain the security and to fulfil military service obligations as provided by the laws.
Article 50 (Amended)
The rights and freedoms of aliens and people without nationality are protected by the laws of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. They have the right to file proposal, claims in the courts and [to lodge petitions with] other concerned organizations, have the obligation to respect the Constitution and laws of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Foreigners who have contributed good deeds to the country and have a significant standing and contributions to the protections and constructions of the nation have the right to gain citizenship with honor of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Article 51
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic grants asylum to foreigners who are persecuted for their struggle for freedom, justice, peace and scientific causes.
