In a packed classroom on the outskirts of Lao PDR’s capital, Vientiane, 68 law students are engaged in fierce debate about the merits of the death penalty. This session is one component of a two week summer course in which students from across the country are learning about the concept of human rights in national and international law.

The training is part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) International Law Project that is implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The programme was initiated in 2001 and is currently in Phase III that runs until the end of 2012.

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