As part of NAPS’ ongoing commitment to international collaboration and capacity building in public sector governance and human rights education, we are pleased to report the completion of a significant research consultancy undertaken by Professor Sam Blay.

Under the auspices of the Lao Australia Human Rights Technical Cooperation Project, Professor Blay was appointed as the lead consultant to develop a Human Rights Teachers Manual for the National Academy of Politics and Public Administration (NAPPA) in Lao PDR. The project was officially completed in May 2025.

Project Overview

· Client Institution: National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, Lao PDR

· Commissioning Agency: Lao Australia Human Rights Technical Cooperation Project Australian Human Rights Commission

· Consultant: Professor Sam Blay (NAPS)

· Focus Area: Human Rights and Development

· Output: Four-module Human Rights Teachers Manual

Scope and Impact

The project involved extensive research into the current state of human rights education in both Lao PDR and the broader ASEAN region, with a particular focus on contextualizing international human rights principles within local socio-political and cultural frameworks.

Professor Blay brought to this work his longstanding expertise in international law, constitutional governance, and human rights in the Asia-Pacific region, ensuring that the manual is academically rigorous, context-sensitive, and pedagogically effective.

The four-module manual is designed to serve as a foundational instructional resource for faculty members at NAPPA. It will play a critical role in shaping the human rights curriculum for future civil servants and government leaders in Lao PDR.

Strategic Relevance for NAPS

· Reinforces NAPS’ research engagement in transnational education and policy advisory roles

· Enhances institutional reputation through collaboration with regional governance academies

· Contributes to sustainable development goals by supporting human rights education and training in emerging democracies

This consultancy exemplifies the strategic direction outlined in NAPS’ new Strategic Plan which includes expanding our influence through research partnerships.