ADWLE operates 2 legal aid clinics that provide free legal counselling and assistance in the fields of gender-based violence, discrimination against women or children, sexual harassment, family law, and human trafficking. ADWLE’s legal aid clinics also support the rights of LGBT persons.
- If you are a victim of domestic violence or abuse, human trafficking or labor exploitation, sexual discrimination or sexual harassment
- If you are a parent of a child who has been a victim of domestic violence or abuse, human trafficking or labor exploitation, sexual discrimination or sexual harassment
- If you have a family conflict (e.g. divorce, responsibilities towards children, property ownership within marriage) that you have not been able to resolve through the Village Mediation Committee
- If you are seeking advice about the laws, or your rights or responsibilities, relating to the above issues
- any persons who meet the conditions for receiving legal aid under the Decree on Legal Assistance
- Advise on your legal rights, responsibilities and options under relevant laws
- Refer you to other service providers
- Assist you to bring your conflict to the Village Mediation Committee or to report to the police
- Prepare and submit documents to bring your case to the People’s Court
- Legal representation in court
- Financial support to disadvantaged clients to attend legal proceedings and/or access emergency support services (e.g. safe shelter, healthcare)
- Respond to the community’s needs for access to legal information
- Provide legal assistance to disadvantaged or vulnerable women and children to enable them to have access to justice
- Counter violence and discrimination against women and children
- Promote women’s rights and gender equality in every field
1. Women’s Assistance and Counselling Office (WACO)
WACO is open to all Lao citizens residing in Laos.
Location: Chommany Village, Saysetha District, Vientiane Capital
(co-located with Chommany Primary School, approximately 5km north of Vientiane city centre)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30-17:00 (closed on public holidays)
Phone: 021 262 698
2. Legal Aid Clinic for Vulnerable Women and Children (LACVWC)
Location: Nongsonghong Village, Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital (co-located with Nongsonghong Village Office)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30-17:00 (closed on public holidays)
Phone: 030 5262 011
LACWVC is open to residents of ADWLE’s target villages in Xaythany District: Dongbang, Nasala, Thadindeang Neua, Thadindeng Tai, Oudomphon, Ladkhoay, Nontae, SenOudom, Paksabkao, Thaddorkkham, Phonngam 2, Nongsonghong, Somsamai, Naphok and Paksapmai.