Contents
Law On National Heritage (Amended)
Article 2 (amended) National Heritage
Article 3 (amended) Definitions
Article 4 (amended) Government Policy on National Heritage works
Article 5 (new) Basic principles regarding National Heritage
Article 6 (amended) Obligations of Citizens
Article 7 (new) Scope of Application of this Law
Article 8 (amended) International Cooperation
Part II: Types of National Heritage
Article 9 Types of Cultural Heritage
Article 10 (amended) Cultural Heritage in Tangible Items
Article 11 Cultural Heritage in Intangible Items
Chapter 2: Historical Heritage
Article 12 Types of Historical Heritage
Article 13 (amended) Historical Heritage in Tangible Objects
Article 14 Historical Heritage in Intangible Items
Article 15 Types of Natural Heritage
Article 16 Natural Heritage Having Scenic Value
Article 17 (amended) Natural Heritage Having Ecological or Scientific Value
Part III: National Heritage and National Icons
Chapter 1: Levels of National Heritage
Article 18 (amended) Levels of National Heritage
Article 19 (amended) National Heritage at Local Level
Article 20 (amended) National Heritage at National Level
Article 21 (amended) National Heritage at Regional Level
Article 22 (amended) National Heritage at World Level
Article 23 (amended) The Importance of National Icons
Article 24 (amended) Types of National Icons
Chapter 1: Management of Cultural and Historical National Heritage
Article 25 (amended) Management
Article 26 (amended) Registration
Article 27 (new) Registration Process
Article 28 (new) Submission of application for registration
Article 29 (new) Consideration for registration
Article 30 (new) Storage of registration documents
Article 31 (new) Modification to, cancellation of and objection to the registration
Article 33 (amended) New Creations
Article 34 (amended) Exhibition
Article 35 (amended) Seen, found and Discovery
Article 36 (amended) Research and Analysis
Article 37 (amended) Export for Analysis
Article 38 (amended) Import, Publication, Display or Distribution
Article 40 (amended) Purchase and Sale
Article 41 (amended) Succession
Chapter 2: Use of Cultural and Historical National Heritage
Article 42 (amended) Purpose of Use
Article 45 (amended) Area of Heritage Sites
Article 46 (amended) Protection of Heritage Sites
Article 47 (amended) Maintenance, Restoration and Rehabilitation
Article 48 (amended) Conditions for Maintenance, Restoration and Rehabilitation
Part V: Management, Use, Protection, Conservation and Restoration of Natural National Heritage
Chapter 1: Management of Natural National Heritage
Article 50 (amended) Management of Natural National Heritage
Article 51 (amended) Registration of Natural National Heritage
Article 52 Management of Sources of Biodiversity
Article 53 Management of Conservation Forests
Article 54 Management of National
Parks Article 55 (amended) Management of Natural Landscape Scenery
Chapter 2: Use, Protection, Conservation, Restoration and Development of National Natural Heritage
Article 56 (amended) Purpose of the Use
Article 58 (amended) Protection and Conservation of National Natural Heritage
Article 60 (amended) Conditions for Restoration of National Natural Heritage
Article 61 (amended) Development
Article 63 (amended) Government Museums
Article 64 (new) Collective Museums
Article 65 (new) Private Museums
Article 66 (amended) Conditions for Establishment of Museums
Article 67 (new) Approval to Establish Museums
Article 68 (new) Management of Museums
Part VII: National Heritage Fund
Article 69 (new) National Heritage Fund
Article 70 (amended) Sources of National Heritage Fund
Article 71 (amended) Management and Use of the National Heritage Fund
Article 72 (new) General Prohibitions
Article 73 (new) Prohibitions for staffs responsible for national heritage and museum works
Article 74 (new) Prohibitions for Individuals, Legal entities and other Organizations
Article 75 (new) Forms of Conflict Resolution
Article 76 (New) Amicable Settlement or Mediations
Article 77 (New) Administrative Resolutions
Article 78 (New) Resolutions by the Economic Resolution Organization
Article 79 (New) Petition to the People’s Court
Article 80 (New) International Resolutions
Part X: Management and Inspection
Chapter 1: Management of National Heritage
Article 81 (amended) National Heritage Management Authorities
Article 82 (amended) Rights and Duties of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism
Article 83 (amended) Rights and Duties of the Information, Culture and Tourism Departments
Article 85 (amended) Rights and Duties of the Village Managements
Article 86 (amended) Rights and Duties of Other Concerned Agencies
Chapter 2: Inspection of National Heritage
Article 87 (amended) Inspection Agencies for National Heritage
Article 88 Forms of Inspections
Part XI: Awards for Good Performance and Measures Against Violators
Article 89 (amended) Awards for Good Performance
Article 90 (amended) Measures against Violators
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity
----------------------------
President | No.: 062/P |
Vientiane Capital, dated 28 January 2014 |
DECREE
of the
PRESIDENT
of the
LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
On the Promulgation of the Law on National Heritage (Amended)
_____________________
- Pursuant to Chapter VI, Article 67, Point 1 of the Constitution of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic;
- Pursuant to Resolution No. 022/NA, dated 24 December 2013; and
- Pursuant to Proposal No. 014/NASC, dated 23 January 2014 of the National Assembly Standing Committee.
The President
of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic hereby issues the Presidential Decree:
Article 1 The Law on National Heritage (Amended) is hereby promulgated.
Article 2 This Presidential Decree is effective from the date of signature.
President of the Lao PDR
[Signature and seal]
Choummaly SAYASONE
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity
-------------------------
National Assembly | No.: 022/NA |
RESOLUTION
of the
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
of the
LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
On the Adoption of the Law on National Heritage
(Amended)
_____________________
Pursuant to Item 2, Article 53 of the Constitution and Item 1, Article 3 of the Law on the National Assembly of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on the rights and duties of the National Assembly (NA);
After the 6th Ordinary National Assembly’s Session of the VII Legislature have considerably and thoroughly considered the contents of the Law on National Heritage (Amended) in the afternoon session on 24 December 2013.
The Session hereby decides:
Article 1 To adopt the Law on National Heritage (Amended) by majority vote.
Article 2 This Resolution is effective from date of signature.
Vientiane Capital, dated 24 December 2013
President of the National Assembly
[Signature and seal]
Pany YATHOTOU
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity
-------------------------
National Assembly | No.: 44/NA |
Vientiane Capital, dated 24 December 2013 |
LAW ON NATIONAL HERITAGE (Amended)
General Provisions
The Law on National Heritage determines the principles, regulations and measures for the Management, use, protection, conservation, restoration, [and] rehabilitation of the national heritage to preserve the value of the national cultural, historical and natural heritage, with the aims of educating citizens with a conscious love for their nation and fine national traditions that are assuring elements for prosper sustainability of the nation, regional and international integration, and participation in the national socio-economic development.
Article 2 (amended) National Heritage
National Heritage [refers to items] produced by mankind or formed by nature that have outstanding cultural, historical or natural value, thereby becoming precious assets [and] property of the Lao national community which are adopted as local, national, regional or world heritage.
National heritage consists of cultural, historical and natural heritage existing in the form of tangible objects, intangible items, moveable or immoveable property, and living or non-living organisms, reflecting3 the history of the Lao nation [and] the Lao people in each different era.
National heritage includes items existing in the country and abroad.
Article 3 (amended) Definitions
The terms used in this law shall have following meanings:
Article 4 (amended) Government Policy on National Heritage works
The government promotes the protection and conservation of the national heritage side by side with the socio-economic development.
The government promotes and creates the conditions for individuals, legal entities and organizations within the country and abroad to contribute to and participate in the provision of data, protection, conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of the national heritage in a sustainable manner.
The Government promotes research, innovation and advancement regarding national heritage, and publicises5 the national and public value of national heritage, meanwhile restricting [and] eliminating obstructions to the advancement of the multi-ethnic people and of the nation.
The Government recognizes and protects property constituting national heritage that belongs to individuals, legal entities and organizations that has been lawfully registered.
Article 5 (new) Basic principles regarding National Heritage
The works regarding National Heritage must follow the following basic principles:
Article 6 (amended) Obligations of Citizens
Lao citizens, aliens, and foreigners residing in the Lao PDR shall have the obligation to the protection, conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of the national heritage.
Foreigners, tourists entering the Lao PDR, and Lao people residing abroad shall also have the obligation to participate in the protection and conservation of the national heritage.
Article 7 (new) Scope of Application of this Law
This Law applies to individuals, legal entities and organizations that undertake the works relating to cultural, historical and natural national heritage in Lao PDR.
Article 8 (amended) International Cooperation
The Government promotes international and regional relations and cooperation regarding national heritage in the exchange of lessons, information, scientific research, [and] technical training, in the dissemination of culture, in exhibitions, in attracting funds, [and] in implementing international agreements and conventions to which Lao PDR is the party.
Types of National Heritage
Chapter 1
Cultural Heritage
Article 9 Types of Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage consists of:
Article 10 (amended) Cultural Heritage in Tangible Items
The cultural heritage in tangible items refers to [items of] tangible heritage which are of high outstanding value from a cultural point of view, including in the form of moveable or immoveable property with unique character, namely: production tools, handicrafts, consumer goods, foods, artistic works, traditional music instruments, ancient inscriptions, antiques, archaeological sites, anthropological sites and others.
Article 11 Cultural Heritage in Intangible Items
The cultural heritage in intangible items refers to [items of] intangible heritage which are of high outstanding value from a cultural point of view, such as: local innovation, knowledge, public philosophies, beliefs, fine traditions which are expressed in livelihood practices, social behaviour, languages, alphabets, numbers, scripts, legends, novels, proverbs, poems, traditional music, traditional dances, songs, melodies, folk songs, formulas of traditional medicine and others which are inherited from generation to generation.
Historical Heritage
Article 12 Types of Historical Heritage
Historical heritage consists of two types:
Article 13 (amended) Historical Heritage in Tangible Objects
The historical heritage in tangible objects refers to [items of] tangible heritage which are of high outstanding value from a historical point of view, including in the form of moveable or immoveable property, namely: places of worship, sacred buildings, military equipment, vehicles, consumer goods, foods, documents of record, historical sites such as: battle fields, monuments, places of liberation and struggle of the people, heroic ancestors and revolutionary leaders.
Article 14 Historical Heritage in Intangible Items
The historical heritage in intangible items refers to [items of] conceptual12 heritage which are connected with the history in different eras and generations, such as: ideas, theories, ideologies which express love for the nation and unyielding bravery13, innovative knowledge, capability, strategies, martial arts and tactics, warfare lessons, [and experiences gained from] the leadership, Management and development of the nation.
Natural Heritage
Article 15 Types of Natural Heritage
Natural heritage consists of two types:
Article 16 Natural Heritage Having Scenic Value
Natural heritage having scenic value refers to heritage [areas] which have outstanding aesthetic value, [or] are pure in biodiversity, namely: national conservation forests, biodiversity conservation areas, natural caves, waterfalls, rapids, cascades, streams, islands, mountains, cliffs, aquatic and wild animals, lakes, marshes, canals, ponds, and others.
Article 17 (amended) Natural Heritage Having Ecological or Scientific Value
Natural heritage having ecological or scientific value refers to heritage [areas] which have precious natural value, and which are significant, [and] outstanding from the point of view of geology, biology and geography mainly minerals, floras, faunas, mountains, cliffs, [and] forests.
National Heritage and National Icons
Chapter 1
Levels of National Heritage
Article 18 (amended) Levels of National Heritage
The national heritage is divided into four levels:
Article 19 (amended) National Heritage at Local Level
National heritage at local level refers to heritage which are of outstanding cultural, historical and natural local value arose and situated in that local area, such as: Prathat Inghang, Prabat Phon San, Prathat Sikhottabong, Piew cave, standing cliffs, hot springs, traditional music, songs and dances.
Article 20 (amended) National Heritage at National Level
National heritage at national level refers to heritages which are of outstanding cultural, historical and natural national value arose and situated in an area of Lao PDR, and which have become the heritage of the national community, such as: Plain of Jars, That Luang, Wat Xieng Thong, Viengxay district cave, Khon Phapheng, Li Phi, Lao Lumvong dances, Sang Sinh Say and Seosavath novels.
Article 21 (amended) National Heritage at Regional Level
National heritage at regional level refers to heritages which are of outstanding cultural, historical and natural national value arose and situated in an area of Lao PDR, and which have been adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Regional Organization, such as: national conservation forests.
Article 22 (amended) National Heritage at World Level
National heritage at world level refers to heritages which are of outstanding cultural, historical and natural national value arose and situated in an area of Lao PDR, and which have been adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, such as: Luang Prabang City, Wat Phou Champasack.
National Icons
Article 23 (amended) The Importance of National Icons
Natioal icons include [items of] national heritage which are special, rare, unique to the nation and sacred, which Lao people shall pay attention to protect [and] conserve for sustainable15 existence with the country.
Article 24 (amended) Types of National Icons
National icons are classified into tangible objects, intangible items, moveable property or immoveable property, such as: Prabang, That Luang Vientiane, Haw Pha Keo, Wat Sisaket, Wat Xieng Thong, twelve traditions and fourteen cultures, and others.
Management, Use, Protection, Conservation, Restoration and Rehabilitation of Cultural and Historical National Heritage
Chapter 1
Management of Cultural and Historical National Heritage
Article 25 (amended) Management
Cultural and historical national heritage throughout the country are managed by registering, and by dividing management among central and local administrations, including representative offices of the Lao PDR abroad.
The Government administers [and] protects the property and copyright [subsisting in items of] Lao cultural and historical national heritage that belong to individuals, legal entities or organizations which are inside or outside the territory of the Lao PDR, which are in the illegitimate possession of other countries, or [in respect of which foreign countries have illegitimately asserted] copyright.
Management of national heritages that are adopted and registered as regional and world heritage is set out in separate regulations.
Article 26 (amended) Registration
National cultural and historical heritage which are possessed by individuals, legal entities or organizations shall be registered.
The Government conducts surveys, and collects the heritage to evaluate, classify and register, while encouraging possessors of heritage to propose them for registration in accordance with the following regulations:
After registration, the Government recognizes these [items of] heritage as national heritage, and also recognizes the right of possession of the owners of these [items of] heritage.
In the event that the [items of] heritage are not registered, the owners of these [items of] heritage are not entitled to conduct any activities relating to these [items of] heritage, such as: displaying them in exhibitions, making replicas and others.
National heritage [items] at national level that are researched and certified that they have high value, are rare and are of unique national character shall be proposed for registration of ownership and copyright in the name of the nation with relevant international organisations.
Article 27 (new) Registration Process
Registration process shall follow below steps:
Article 28 (new) Submission of application for registration
Individuals, legal entities or organizations intending for registration must submit an application to information, culture and tourism sectors through relevant local administrations. For remote areas, application can be submitted to village authorities of residence of the applicant, in accordance with applicable regulations for registration.
Article 29 (new) Consideration for registration
After an application is received, relevant information, culture and tourism sectors must consider such application within no more than 90 days from the date of receipt.
Application and registration must follow registration regulations laid out by Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
Article 30 (new) Storage of registration documents
Registration documents regarding all types of national heritage must be stored safely in a specific room to avoid loss damage and destruction.
Article 31 (new) Modification to, cancellation of and objection to the registration
A person, who notices that a registration is not rightful, has the right to request to information, culture and tourism sectors where such person resides to modify or cancel. In the event that such sectors do not consider [the request of that person], such person has the right to resort to a court in order to modify or cancel such registration.
For registration that affects the right and benefit of another person, such person has the right to object the registration and relevant sectors shall consider the matter in accordance with applicable regulations and laws.
A sector noticing that its registration is not rightful, has the right in its capacity to modify or cancel the registration within fifteen days from the date of notice.
Modification to, cancellation of and objection to the registration shall be considered within thirty days from the date an application is received.
A replica is a new object created by copying the pattern, colour, design of the original heritage.
Authorization to replicate all types of national heritage is stipulated in separate regulations.
Article 33 (amended) New Creations
Individuals, legal entities or organizations intending to create or sculpture new items at national level such as monuments, sculptures of ancestors, leaders, national heroes, religious places, Buddha shall obtain approval from the Government.
For new creation and sculpture at local level including the sculpting of an individual’s ancestors, approval shall be obtained information, culture and tourism sectors, in coordination with concerned authorities.
Article 34 (amended) Exhibition
There are three main types of exhibition of national heritage:
The exhibition of national heritage may be conducted within the country or abroad.
The exhibition of national heritage within the country shall require the approval of the information, culture and tourism sector, after coordination with other sectors and concerned local administrations.
The exhibition of national heritage abroad shall require the approval of the government, by a proposal through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
Article 35 (amended) Seen, found and Discovery
Individuals, legal entities or organizations that, during the conduct of any activities, see, find and discover any national heritage shall immediately report to the local administrations and the concerned information, culture and tourism sector, and shall suspend such activities until approval for continuation or non-approval is granted.
Individuals, legal entities or organizations that have seen, found or discovered sites, received information on existing sites, or suspect that any [item of] national heritage or holy relic exists, shall immediately report to the local administrations and the information, culture and tourism sector, and shall be prohibited from exploring or moving them without approval.
Article 36 (amended) Research and Analysis
Domestic or foreign individuals, legal entities or organizations are promoted to conduct research and analysis on the national cultural and historical heritage by granting different policies in accordance with regulations and laws.
The research and analysis of such national heritage shall require approval from the information, culture and tourism sector.
The individual, legal entity or organization intending to cooperate with foreign countries to conduct such research and analysis shall obtain approval from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
The original record of the data and the results of such research and analysis shall be handed over to the information, culture and tourism sector for storage and publication, in accordance with regulations.
Article 37 (amended) Export for Analysis
The export to other countries for analysis of objects of high value or parts thereof that constitute part of the national cultural and historical heritage shall require the approval of the Government based on a proposal of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
Article 38 (amended) Import, Publication, Display or Distribution
The importation, publication, display or distribution of cultural products of other countries shall be examined and approved by the information, culture and tourism sector.
Tangible cultural products of other countries, especially Buddha, or intangible items that contradict the culture, [or] fine national traditions of Laos will not be permitted to be imported, published, displayed or distributed in any case.
The ownership of [items of] national cultural and historical heritage which are registered may be transferred or licensed to other people in accordance with applicable regulations and laws, but the transferee shall notify the information, culture and tourism sector where the [item of] heritage is registered within thirty days from the date of transfer.
Article 40 (amended) Purchase and Sale
Any individual, legal entity or organization intending to purchase or sell any national cultural and historical heritage shall obtain approval from the information, culture and tourism sector. In the case where such national cultural and historical heritage has high outstanding value, the State shall have priority to buy such heritage at an agreed price.
The Government does not permit the sale of national heritage out of the country. For the exchange between governments, prior approval of the government shall be obtained.
Article 41 (amended) Succession
National cultural and historical heritage which are registered may be transferred to a successor, provided that the successor shall notify the information, culture and tourism sector where the [item of] national heritage is registered within sixty days from the date of succession. In the event that there are many successors, one person shall be assigned in writing as the representative to make such notification.
Use of Cultural and Historical National Heritage
Article 42 (amended) Purpose of Use
The use of national cultural and historical heritage has the following purposes:
The use of national cultural and historical heritage shall comply with the purpose, be in an effective manner; maintain their original conditions, and be in a sustainable manner. The revenue from the national heritage shall be used for the development of national heritage.
Protection, Conservation, Maintenance and Restoration of National Cultural and Historical Heritage
Article 44 (amended) Protection and Conservation of National Cultural and Historical Heritage in Tangible Objects
In the protection and conservation of national cultural and historical heritage in tangible objects, individuals, legal entities or organizations shall:
Article 45 (amended) Area of Heritage Sites
The area of heritage sites is divided into four zones:
Management of area of heritage site is provided in specific regulations.
Article 46 (amended) Protection of Heritage Sites
Areas of heritage sites must be protected so that they are not encroached, destroyed or damaged by human or natural causes.
In the event of encroachment or destroy, individuals, legal entities or organizations must stop it and implement immediate measures in coordination with the local administration where the heritage is located, followed by notification to the information, culture and tourism sector.
Article 47 (amended) Maintenance, Restoration and Rehabilitation
The maintenance, restoration and rehabilitation of national cultural and historical heritage is to restore and repair a destroyed and degraded heritage in a good condition, and to maintain original characteristics.
Individuals, legal entities and organizations are involved in the maintenance, restoration and rehabilitation of national cultural and historical heritage.
The maintenance, restoration and rehabilitation of such national heritage shall be approved by information, culture and tourism sector where the heritage situates.
The maintenance, restoration and rehabilitation of all types of national heritages are provided in separate regulations.
Article 48 (amended) Conditions for Maintenance, Restoration and Rehabilitation
The maintenance, restoration and rehabilitation of national cultural and historical heritage shall be carried out with following conditions:
Article 49 (amended) Protection and Conservation of National Heritage in the Form of Intangible Items
National Heritage in the form of intangible items must be registered, protected and conserved.
The protection and conservation of national cultural and historical heritage in the form of intangible items shall be undertaken simultaneously with its promotion, publication and wide use in domestic and foreign contexts;
The nature of research and creation shall be national, public, and advanced;
Expatriates and foreigners, including their organizations, and international organizations intending to conduct research and analysis on the national cultural and historical heritage in the form of intangible items shall perform [such research and analysis] in accordance with the reality of that heritage, shall obtain approval from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and shall maintain original characteristics of such heritage;
The conservation of national cultural and historical heritage in the form of intangible items is provided in separate regulations.
Management, Use, Protection, Conservation and
Restoration of Natural National Heritage
Chapter 1
Management of Natural National Heritage
Article 50 (amended) Management of Natural National Heritage
Natural national heritage throughout the country are administered by registering, and by dividing management among central and local administrations, and among relevant sectors such as information, culture and tourism sector, natural resources and environment sector, and agriculture and forestry sector.
The Government administers and protects the property and copyright [subsisting in items of] natural national heritage that belong to individuals, legal entities or organizations which are inside the country.
Management of natural national heritages that are adopted and registered as regional and world heritage, is set out in separate regulations.
Article 51 (amended) Registration of Natural National Heritage
National natural heritage which is possessed by individuals, legal entities or organizations shall be registered.
The Government conducts surveys, and collects the [items of] natural heritage in areas such as landscape and biodiversity areas to evaluate, classify and register [them], while encouraging possessors of natural heritage [items] to propose them for registration in accordance with the following regulations:
After registration, the Government recognizes these [items of] heritage as national natural heritage, and also recognizes the right of possession of the owners of these [items of] heritage.
In the event that the heritage is not registered, the owners of these [items of] heritage are not entitled to conduct any activities relating to these [items of] heritage, such as: making replicas and others.
National natural heritage at national level that are researched and certified that they have high value, are rare and are of unique national character shall be proposed for registration of ownership and copyright in the name of the nation with relevant international organizations.
Article 52 Management of Sources of Biodiversity
Sources of biodiversity which are national natural heritage, such as: wetlands, ponds and marshes, shall be administered by inspection and registration, as proposed by the concerned sectors.
Article 53 Management of Conservation Forests
Conservation forests that have been registered as national natural heritage shall be administered for the purpose of protecting nature in a sustainable [and] rich manner.
Article 54 Management of National Parks
National parks, which are full of richness in respect of the ecosystem and their clean and aesthetic attraction, and which have become national natural heritage shall be administered as places for relaxation and for domestic and foreign tourists.
Article 55 (amended) Management of Natural Landscape Scenery
Areas with natural landscape scenery, which are of value from the point of view of natural and aesthetic scenery and are outstanding, including mountains, cliffs, forests, rivers, streams, waterfalls and others, shall be registered as national natural heritage and shall be administered for the sustainable preservation of their aesthetic nature.
The Management of the natural heritage is set out in separate regulations.
Use, Protection, Conservation, Restoration and
Development of National Natural Heritage
Article 56 (amended) Purpose of the Use
The use of national natural heritage has the following purposes:
Use of national natural heritage shall:
Article 58 (amended) Protection and Conservation of National Natural Heritage
In the protection and conservation of national natural heritage, individuals, legal entities or organizations shall:
The restoration national natural heritage is to restore and repair a destroyed and degraded heritage in a good condition, and to maintain health biodiversity.
Individuals, legal entities and organizations are involved in the restoration of national natural heritage.
The maintenance, restoration and rehabilitation of such national heritage shall be approved by information, culture and tourism sector where the heritage situates.
The restoration of such national heritage must be approved by information, culture and tourism sector where the heritage is registered.
Article 60 (amended) Conditions for Restoration of National Natural Heritage
The restoration of national natural heritage shall be carried out with following conditions:
Article 61 (amended) Development
The development of national natural heritage is to make the heritage sustainable, abundant and richer as the basis for national socio-economic development, [and] for research and study, [and] to promote the maximum value of such heritage, while at the same time extending the potential of the heritage, serving to tourism and protect the natural environment throughout the country, and contributing to national protection and development.
Museums
Museums are divided into three types as follows:
Article 63 (amended) Government Museums
Government museums include:
Article 64 (new) Collective Museums
Collective museums are places for storing, exhibiting, conserving and preserving precious and outstanding objects of associations, communities, cooperatives and collectives in that area.
Article 65 (new) Private Museums
Private museums are places for storing, exhibiting, conserving and preserving private and family articles.
Article 66 (amended) Conditions for Establishment of Museums
The establishment of museums shall meet the following conditions:
Article 67 (new) Approval to Establish Museums
The establishment of museums shall be approved in the following cases:
Article 68 (new) Management of Museums
All types of museums shall be administered in a way that they are places for educating, researching, analyzing, conserving, protecting, registering, exhibiting and disseminating [objects] both in the country and abroad.
Administrative regulations for museums are defined separately.
National Heritage Fund
Article 69 (new) National Heritage Fund
National heritage fund is a fund established to assure the national heritage works mainly the Management, protection, conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of national heritage in a sustainable and developed manner.
Article 70 (amended) Sources of National Heritage Fund
National heritage fund shall be derived from:
Article 71 (amended) Management and Use of the National Heritage Fund
The Management and use of the national heritage fund shall be centrally through one-stop service, ensure transparency, be auditable, in line with the purpose of Article 69 of this law, in accordance with the Law on Government Budget, and other relevant laws.
The Management and use of such fund is defined separately.
Prohibitions
Article 72 (new) General Prohibitions
Individuals, legal entities or organizations are prohibited to behave as follows:
Article 73 (new) Prohibitions for staffs responsible for national heritage and museum works
Staffs that are responsible for national heritage and museum works, are prohibited to behave as follows:
Article 74 (new) Prohibitions for Individuals, Legal entities and other Organizations
Individuals, legal entities and other organizations are prohibited to behave as follows:
Conflict Resolutions
Article 75 (new) Forms of Conflict Resolution
Conflicts concerning national heritage could be resolved by one of the following forms of resolution:
Article 76 (New) Amicable Settlement or Mediations
In the event of dispute related to national heritage, the parties can solve [the dispute] by amicable settlement or mediation.
Article 77 (New) Administrative Resolutions
In the event of dispute related to national heritage, the parties can submit [the dispute] to Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism for consideration in accordance with regulations and laws.
Article 78 (New) Resolutions by the Economic Resolution Organization
In the event of dispute related to conduct of business regarding national heritage, the parties can submit [the dispute] to the Economic Resolution Organization for consideration in accordance with regulations and laws.
Article 79 (New) Petition to the People’s Court
In the event of dispute related to national heritage, the parties can submit [the dispute] to the People’s Court for court decision in accordance with regulations and laws.
Article 80 (New) International Resolutions
Any dispute related to national heritage at international level shall follow international agreements and conventions that Lao PDR is a party.
Management and Inspection
Chapter 1
Management of National Heritage
Article 81 (amended) National Heritage Management Authorities
The Government centrally and uniformly administers the national heritage throughout the country by assigning tasks to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism as the focal point, in coordination with concerned sectors and with concerned local administrations.
The national heritage management authorities are as follows:
In case of necessity, national world heritage committee, local heritage committee, and provincial world heritage departments or offices where national heritage does exist and is adopted as world heritage, could be established
Article 82 (amended) Rights and Duties of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism
In the Management of the national heritage, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism shall have following main rights and duties:
1. To conduct research, lay down policies and strategies, and draft laws on the national heritage for Government’s consideration;
2. To disseminate and educate on the policy directives, laws and regulations relating to the national heritage;
3. To mobilize fund and develop budget plan to be spent for national heritage works;
4. To supervise surveys, gather data, analyze, [and] explore each type of national heritage;
To be directly responsible for national, regional, and world heritages;
5. To supervise, encourage, monitor, [and] inspect the information, culture and tourism departments in their implementation of laws, regulations, plans, [and] projects on the national heritage;
6. To register and issue licenses relating to national heritage within its responsibility;
7. To build up, upgrade, train and use human resources relating to national heritage;
8. To extend relations and cooperation with foreign countries, regional and international organizations on activities relating to national heritage;
To summarize, report and provide evaluations on the implementation of activities relating to national heritage to the government regularly;
9. To exercise other rights and perform other duties as regulated by laws and regulations.
Article 83 (amended) Rights and Duties of the Information, Culture and Tourism Departments
In the Management of national heritage, each information, culture and tourism department at the provincial or city level shall have following rights and duties under their responsibilities:
Article 84 (amended) Rights and Duties of Information, Culture and Tourism Offices at the District or Municipal Level
In the Management of national heritage, each information, culture and tourism office at the district or municipal level shall have following rights and duties under their responsibilities:
Article 85 (amended) Rights and Duties of the Village Managements
In the Management of national heritage, each village administration shall have following main rights and duties:
Article 86 (amended) Rights and Duties of Other Concerned Agencies
In the Management of national heritage, other sectors mainly public works and transportation sectors, natural resources and environment sectors, agriculture and forestry sectors, energy and mines sectors, national defense – public security sectors, home affairs sectors, Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organization, Lao National Front for Construction, [and] civil society organizations shall have the right and duty to coordinate with the information, culture and tourism sector in accordance with their roles and responsibilities.
Inspection of National Heritage
Article 87 (amended) Inspection Agencies for National Heritage
The inspection agencies for national heritage consist of:
The inspection agencies for national heritage shall have the following rights and duties:
Article 88 Forms of Inspections
There are three forms of inspections of national heritage:
Awards for Good Performance and Measures Against Violators
Article 89 (amended) Awards for Good Performance
Individuals, legal entities or organizations with outstanding performance in the implementation of this law mainly the Management, protection, conservation, restoration and development of national heritage will receive awards and other policies in accordance with regulations.
Persons who have seen, discovered, researched or given useful information on national heritage, in addition to receiving awards as defined in the above paragraph one, will also receive other benefits in accordance with the laws and regulations.
Article 90 (amended) Measures against Violators
Individuals, legal entities or organizations that violate the law will be educated, warned, disciplined, and fined, subject to civil liability or criminal punishment, as determined on a case by case basis.
The government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is assigned to implement this law.
This Law is effective from the date of the promulgation by the President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and fifteen days after posting on the Lao Official Gazette.
This Law replaces the Law on National Heritage No. 08/NA dated 9 November 2005.
Regulations and provisions that contradict with this shall be canceled.
President of the National Assembly
[Signature and seal]
Pany YATHOTOU
Name | Description | Status |
---|---|---|
Authorization requirement for the import, display or distribution of foreign national heritage. | The importation, publishing, or distribution of any foreign national heritage in the Lao PDR must be authorized by the Information, Culture and Tourism sectors. | Active |
Authorization requirement for the sale and purchase of any national heritage | Any sale or purchase of national heritage must be authorized by the Information, Culture and Tourism sectors. | Active |
Prohibition on the sale and purchase of national heritage to or from a foreign country | The sale and purchase of any national heritage to or from a foreign country is prohibited. | Active |