Our areas of work
Our areas of work connect legal expertise with the daily responsibilities of public institutions and legal professionals.
Supporting countries in complying with FATF requirements
Providing training and technical assistance in financial analysis, organised crime and money laundering to help countries meet FATF requirements.
ILSTA builds the skills of the institutions responsible for this work through training, mentoring and technical assistance. Investigations and enforcement remain the responsibility of national authorities; ILSTA does not intervene directly in cases.
- Training in financial analysis and financial intelligence
- AML/CFT training for public and private institutions
- Practical training on organised crime and money laundering
Justice & the rule of law
Working with courts, prosecutors and public institutions to strengthen legal knowledge and the application of law.
- Judicial and prosecutorial capacity
- Administrative proceedings and legal reform
- Human rights and legal awareness
Criminal justice & investigations
Practical training for prosecutors, police and customs officers, from case management to wildlife crime investigations.
- Case management and investigation skills
- Organised crime and human trafficking
- Wildlife crime and customs cooperation
Ethics & anti-corruption
Building knowledge of ethical practice, public accountability and corruption prevention among officials and students.
- Training in corruption prevention and investigation
- Inspection and audit capacity
- Ethics and Integrity Summer School
International cooperation
Bringing institutions together across borders through legal dialogue, mutual legal assistance and regional exchanges.
- Mutual legal assistance in criminal matters
- Regional dialogue and exchanges
- Public international law
MOFA · International law in domestic practice
Working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Lao PDR to support the implementation of international law in domestic legislation and practice.
A memorandum of understanding signed in 2024 provides a framework for this cooperation. Through training, workshops and technical assistance, ILSTA helps officials understand treaty obligations and apply them in their work, including commitments on human rights, transnational organised crime, human trafficking and AML/CFT.
- Interpreting international treaties and supporting domestic implementation
- Public international law, human rights and international institutions
- Practical case studies and treaty negotiation exercises
English for Law & education
Specialist language learning, open lectures and student activities that connect legal knowledge with professional opportunity.
Since 2016, ILSTA’s English for Law programme has helped legal professionals and government officials develop the language skills they need for regional and international cooperation. Teaching connects English with legal and administrative contexts, combining vocabulary and language practice with exercises based on professional situations, meetings and conferences.
Courses have been delivered in Vientiane, Pakse and Luang Prabang, alongside online learning and individual coaching for senior officials. The aim is practical confidence: understanding legal materials, exchanging experience with counterparts and taking an active part in international discussions. English, as ASEAN’s working language, helps connect technical expertise with effective cooperation across borders.
- English for legal professionals
- Open lectures and online learning
- University Challenge Quiz