| LAOS Lao People's Democratic Republic Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao Joined United Nations: 14 December 1955 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 01/07/11 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Vientiane
6,368,162 (July 2010 est.)
Thongsing Thammavong
Prime Minister since 24 December 2010
Prime Minister since 24 December 2010
President and vice president elected by National Assembly for
five-year terms; election last held 8 June 2006
Next scheduled election: 2011
five-year terms; election last held 8 June 2006
Next scheduled election: 2011
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Prime Minister nominated by president and elected by National
Assembly for five-year term; Deputy Prime Ministers selected by
the President
Next scheduled election: 2011
Assembly for five-year term; Deputy Prime Ministers selected by
the President
Next scheduled election: 2011
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Lao 55%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 8%, other (over 100 minor ethnic groups) 26% (2005 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Buddhist 67%, Christian 1.5%, other and unspecified 31.5% (2005 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Communist state with 16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 capital city (nakhon luang, singular and plural); Legal system is
based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures, and socialist practice; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction
Executive: Paramount ruler elected by and from the hereditary rulers of nine of the states for five-year terms; election last held on 3
November 2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister designated from among the members of the House of Representatives; following
legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins a plurality of seats in the House of Representatives becomes prime minister
Legislative: Unicameral National Assembly (115 seats; members elected by popular vote from a list of candidates selected by the
Lao People's Revolutionary Party to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 30 April 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme Court is elected by the National Assembly on the
recommendation of the National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the People's Supreme Court and the judges
are appointed by the National Assembly Standing Committee)
based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures, and socialist practice; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction
Executive: Paramount ruler elected by and from the hereditary rulers of nine of the states for five-year terms; election last held on 3
November 2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister designated from among the members of the House of Representatives; following
legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins a plurality of seats in the House of Representatives becomes prime minister
Legislative: Unicameral National Assembly (115 seats; members elected by popular vote from a list of candidates selected by the
Lao People's Revolutionary Party to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 30 April 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme Court is elected by the National Assembly on the
recommendation of the National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the People's Supreme Court and the judges
are appointed by the National Assembly Standing Committee)
| LANGUAGES |
Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The earliest Lao legal document (and the earliest sociological evidence about the existence of the Lao people) is known as "the laws
of Khun Borom" (also spelled "Khun Bulom"), still preserved in manuscript form. This set of memoriter laws is written in a type of
indigenous blank verse, and reflects the state of proto-Lao society as early as the 9th century, possibly prior to their adoption of
Theravada Buddhism, and prior to (or coeval with) their southward migration into the territory now comprising modern Laos (from
North-Western Vietnam). While most Lao people regard Borom/Bulom as a subject of myth only, Western scholars regard him as
an historical figure, albeit there is very little factually known about him aside from the fact of his bare existence and the description of
a very primitive kingdom in his laws. In general terms, these ancient laws describe an agrarian society in which life revolves around
subsistence agriculture with domesticated water-buffaloes (the gayal). The strict punishments set down for stealing or killing a
neighbor's elephant reflect that these were (evidently) an expensive and important possession of the time. The official History of
Laos as introduced in government textbooks, is conventionally traced to the establishment of the kingdom of Lan Xang by Fa Ngum
in 1353. This is a relatively conservative date to begin the history of the nation, providing a contrast to the course taken by Thai
historiography (which reaches back implausibly far into proto-history). By the 14th century, when this "official history" begins, the
speakers of early Lao-related languages ("Tai-Kadai")had probably developed a reasonable base of population among the prior
inhabitants of (what is now) Laos over the prior century or two. The earlier inhabitation of the land by peoples such as the Mon
kingdom of Dvaravati and Proto-Khmer peoples was given a great deal of emphasis in the histories of Laos written during the
French colonial period. However, post-colonial historiography has instead sought to represent all peoples of Laos as equally
"indigenous", relating the early history in terms of a complex interaction with the (admittedly more ancient) Cambodian kingdoms to
the south, and praising the Proto-Khmer as Lao nationalists for their heroism and modern struggles against the French and
Americans (see, e.g., the Ong Keo Rebellion starting circa 1902). Both French colonial history and post-colonial (Communist)
history sought to reverse the obvious racism of earlier, popular accounts that when the Lao migrated into the country, they simply
conquered and enslaved the native inhabitants (viz., primarily Proto-Khmer people, described in such a context with the derogatory
term "Kha-That"). It is generally assumed that, as late as the 16th century, King Photisarath helped establish Theravada Buddhism
as the predominant religion of the country. However, this aspect of official history may now have to change given recent
archaeological discoveries in Cambodia and Vietnam, showing intact Pali inscriptions as early as the 9th century. (See: JPTS, Vol.
XXIII, 1997: Peter Skilling, "New Paali Inscriptions from Southeast Asia") While there can be no doubt that animism and fragments
of Shiva-worship were popular in ancient Laos, evidence increasingly indicates a long, gradual process leading to the ascendancy of
Buddhism (rather than a single king converting the country). The reverse also did occur, as with the historical layers of statuary and
inscriptions at Wat Phu Champassak; the oldest are in Sanskrit, and worship Shiva, while the later evidence is Buddhist,
subsequently reverting to animism (with the most recent statues simply depicting giant elephants and lizards, with no references to
the organized religions of India, and neither Sanskrit nor Pali text). It is significant to note that all of these official histories exclude the
(possible and actual) influence of Chinese religion in the region. In fact, the ancient Lao calendar and Thai calendar are both of
Chinese origin (adapted from the "Heavenly Stem Branch Calendar"), and do not reflect Indian cosmology. These calendars were
both part of the royal religion (preserved in epigraphy) and, apparently, part of popular religion (fortune telling) for centuries. In the
17th century Lan Xang entered a period of decline and the late 18th century Siam (now Thailand) established control over much of
what is now Laos. The region was divided into three dependent states centered on Luang Prabang in the north, Vientiane in the
center, and Champassak in the south. The Vientiane Lao rebelled in 1828 but were defeated, and the area incorporated into Siam.
Following its occupation of Vietnam, France absorbed Laos into French Indochina via treaties with Siam in 1893 and 1904. During
World War II, the Japanese occupied French Indochina. When Japan surrendered, Lao nationalists declared Laos independent, but
by early 1946, French troops had reoccupied the country and conferred limited autonomy on Laos. During the First Indochina War,
the Indochinese Communist Party formed the Pathet Lao resistance organization committed to Lao independence. Laos gained full
independence following the French defeat by the Vietnamese communists and the subsequent Geneva peace conference in 1954.
Elections were held in 1955, and the first coalition government, led by Prince Souvanna Phouma, was formed in 1957. The coalition
government collapsed in 1958 under pressure from the United States. In 1960 Captain Kong Lae staged a coup when the cabinet
was away at the royal capital of Luang Prabang and demanded reformation of a neutralist government. The second coalition
government, once again led by Souvanna Phouma, was not successful in holding power. Rightist forces under General Phoumi
Nosavan drove out the neutralist government from power later that same year. A second Geneva conference, held in 1961-62,
provided for the independence and neutrality of Laos, but the agreement was subverted by both the United States and North
Vietnam and the war soon resumed. The government and army of Laos were generally neutral during the conflict. The United States
and North Vietnam subverted the agreement by forming private proxy armies. Growing American and North Vietnamese military
presence in the country increasingly drew Laos into the Second Indochina War (1954-1975). For nearly a decade, eastern Laos
was subjected to the heaviest bombing in the history of warfare, as the U.S. sought to destroy the Ho Chi Minh Trail that passed
through Laos. The country was also repeatedly invaded by Vietnam. Shortly after the Paris Peace Accords led to the withdrawal of
U.S. forces from Vietnam, a ceasefire between the Pathet Lao and the government led to a new coalition government. However,
North Vietnam never really withdrew from Laos and the Pathet Lao remained little more than a proxy army for Vietnamese
interests. After the fall of South Vietnam to communist forces in April 1975, the Pathet Lao with the backing of North Vietnam were
able to take total power with little resistance. On December 2, 1975, the king was forced to abdicate his throne and the Lao
People's Democratic Republic was established. The new communist government led by Kaysone Phomvihane imposed centralized
economic decision-making and incarcerated many members of the previous government and military in "re-education camps" which
also included the Hmongs. While nominally independent, the communist government was for many years effectively little more than a
puppet regime run from Vietnam. The government's policies prompted about 10 percent of the Lao population to leave the country.
Laos depended heavily on Soviet aid channeled through Vietnam up until the Soviet collapse in 1991. In the 1990s the communist
party gave up centralised management of the economy but still has a monopoly of political power.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Laos
of Khun Borom" (also spelled "Khun Bulom"), still preserved in manuscript form. This set of memoriter laws is written in a type of
indigenous blank verse, and reflects the state of proto-Lao society as early as the 9th century, possibly prior to their adoption of
Theravada Buddhism, and prior to (or coeval with) their southward migration into the territory now comprising modern Laos (from
North-Western Vietnam). While most Lao people regard Borom/Bulom as a subject of myth only, Western scholars regard him as
an historical figure, albeit there is very little factually known about him aside from the fact of his bare existence and the description of
a very primitive kingdom in his laws. In general terms, these ancient laws describe an agrarian society in which life revolves around
subsistence agriculture with domesticated water-buffaloes (the gayal). The strict punishments set down for stealing or killing a
neighbor's elephant reflect that these were (evidently) an expensive and important possession of the time. The official History of
Laos as introduced in government textbooks, is conventionally traced to the establishment of the kingdom of Lan Xang by Fa Ngum
in 1353. This is a relatively conservative date to begin the history of the nation, providing a contrast to the course taken by Thai
historiography (which reaches back implausibly far into proto-history). By the 14th century, when this "official history" begins, the
speakers of early Lao-related languages ("Tai-Kadai")had probably developed a reasonable base of population among the prior
inhabitants of (what is now) Laos over the prior century or two. The earlier inhabitation of the land by peoples such as the Mon
kingdom of Dvaravati and Proto-Khmer peoples was given a great deal of emphasis in the histories of Laos written during the
French colonial period. However, post-colonial historiography has instead sought to represent all peoples of Laos as equally
"indigenous", relating the early history in terms of a complex interaction with the (admittedly more ancient) Cambodian kingdoms to
the south, and praising the Proto-Khmer as Lao nationalists for their heroism and modern struggles against the French and
Americans (see, e.g., the Ong Keo Rebellion starting circa 1902). Both French colonial history and post-colonial (Communist)
history sought to reverse the obvious racism of earlier, popular accounts that when the Lao migrated into the country, they simply
conquered and enslaved the native inhabitants (viz., primarily Proto-Khmer people, described in such a context with the derogatory
term "Kha-That"). It is generally assumed that, as late as the 16th century, King Photisarath helped establish Theravada Buddhism
as the predominant religion of the country. However, this aspect of official history may now have to change given recent
archaeological discoveries in Cambodia and Vietnam, showing intact Pali inscriptions as early as the 9th century. (See: JPTS, Vol.
XXIII, 1997: Peter Skilling, "New Paali Inscriptions from Southeast Asia") While there can be no doubt that animism and fragments
of Shiva-worship were popular in ancient Laos, evidence increasingly indicates a long, gradual process leading to the ascendancy of
Buddhism (rather than a single king converting the country). The reverse also did occur, as with the historical layers of statuary and
inscriptions at Wat Phu Champassak; the oldest are in Sanskrit, and worship Shiva, while the later evidence is Buddhist,
subsequently reverting to animism (with the most recent statues simply depicting giant elephants and lizards, with no references to
the organized religions of India, and neither Sanskrit nor Pali text). It is significant to note that all of these official histories exclude the
(possible and actual) influence of Chinese religion in the region. In fact, the ancient Lao calendar and Thai calendar are both of
Chinese origin (adapted from the "Heavenly Stem Branch Calendar"), and do not reflect Indian cosmology. These calendars were
both part of the royal religion (preserved in epigraphy) and, apparently, part of popular religion (fortune telling) for centuries. In the
17th century Lan Xang entered a period of decline and the late 18th century Siam (now Thailand) established control over much of
what is now Laos. The region was divided into three dependent states centered on Luang Prabang in the north, Vientiane in the
center, and Champassak in the south. The Vientiane Lao rebelled in 1828 but were defeated, and the area incorporated into Siam.
Following its occupation of Vietnam, France absorbed Laos into French Indochina via treaties with Siam in 1893 and 1904. During
World War II, the Japanese occupied French Indochina. When Japan surrendered, Lao nationalists declared Laos independent, but
by early 1946, French troops had reoccupied the country and conferred limited autonomy on Laos. During the First Indochina War,
the Indochinese Communist Party formed the Pathet Lao resistance organization committed to Lao independence. Laos gained full
independence following the French defeat by the Vietnamese communists and the subsequent Geneva peace conference in 1954.
Elections were held in 1955, and the first coalition government, led by Prince Souvanna Phouma, was formed in 1957. The coalition
government collapsed in 1958 under pressure from the United States. In 1960 Captain Kong Lae staged a coup when the cabinet
was away at the royal capital of Luang Prabang and demanded reformation of a neutralist government. The second coalition
government, once again led by Souvanna Phouma, was not successful in holding power. Rightist forces under General Phoumi
Nosavan drove out the neutralist government from power later that same year. A second Geneva conference, held in 1961-62,
provided for the independence and neutrality of Laos, but the agreement was subverted by both the United States and North
Vietnam and the war soon resumed. The government and army of Laos were generally neutral during the conflict. The United States
and North Vietnam subverted the agreement by forming private proxy armies. Growing American and North Vietnamese military
presence in the country increasingly drew Laos into the Second Indochina War (1954-1975). For nearly a decade, eastern Laos
was subjected to the heaviest bombing in the history of warfare, as the U.S. sought to destroy the Ho Chi Minh Trail that passed
through Laos. The country was also repeatedly invaded by Vietnam. Shortly after the Paris Peace Accords led to the withdrawal of
U.S. forces from Vietnam, a ceasefire between the Pathet Lao and the government led to a new coalition government. However,
North Vietnam never really withdrew from Laos and the Pathet Lao remained little more than a proxy army for Vietnamese
interests. After the fall of South Vietnam to communist forces in April 1975, the Pathet Lao with the backing of North Vietnam were
able to take total power with little resistance. On December 2, 1975, the king was forced to abdicate his throne and the Lao
People's Democratic Republic was established. The new communist government led by Kaysone Phomvihane imposed centralized
economic decision-making and incarcerated many members of the previous government and military in "re-education camps" which
also included the Hmongs. While nominally independent, the communist government was for many years effectively little more than a
puppet regime run from Vietnam. The government's policies prompted about 10 percent of the Lao population to leave the country.
Laos depended heavily on Soviet aid channeled through Vietnam up until the Soviet collapse in 1991. In the 1990s the communist
party gave up centralised management of the economy but still has a monopoly of political power.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Laos
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
The government of Laos, one of the few remaining one-party Communist states, began decentralizing control and encouraging
private enterprise in 1986. The results, starting from an extremely low base, were striking - growth averaged 6% per year from
1988-2008 except during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial crisis that began in 1997. Despite this high growth rate,
Laos remains a country with an underdeveloped infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. It has a rudimentary, but improving, road
system, and limited external and internal telecommunications. Electricity is available in urban areas and in many rural districts.
Subsistence agriculture, dominated by rice cultivation in lowland areas, accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 80% of total
employment. The government in FY08/09 received $560 million from international donors. Economic growth has reduced official
poverty rates from 46% in 1992 to 26% in 2009. The economy has benefited from high foreign investment in hydropower, mining,
and construction. Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US in 2004, and is taking steps required to join the World
Trade Organization, such as reforming import licensing. Related trade policy reforms will improve the business environment. On the
fiscal side, Laos launched an effort to ensure the collection of taxes in 2009 as the global economic slowdown reduced revenues
from mining projects. Simplified investment procedures and expanded bank credits for small farmers and small entrepreneurs will
improve Lao's economic prospects. The government appears committed to raising the country's profile among investors. The World
Bank has declared that Laos's goal of graduating from the UN Development Program's list of least-developed countries by 2020 is
achievable. According Laotian officials, the 7th Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2011-15 will outline efforts to achieve
Millennium Development Goals.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Laos)
private enterprise in 1986. The results, starting from an extremely low base, were striking - growth averaged 6% per year from
1988-2008 except during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial crisis that began in 1997. Despite this high growth rate,
Laos remains a country with an underdeveloped infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. It has a rudimentary, but improving, road
system, and limited external and internal telecommunications. Electricity is available in urban areas and in many rural districts.
Subsistence agriculture, dominated by rice cultivation in lowland areas, accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 80% of total
employment. The government in FY08/09 received $560 million from international donors. Economic growth has reduced official
poverty rates from 46% in 1992 to 26% in 2009. The economy has benefited from high foreign investment in hydropower, mining,
and construction. Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US in 2004, and is taking steps required to join the World
Trade Organization, such as reforming import licensing. Related trade policy reforms will improve the business environment. On the
fiscal side, Laos launched an effort to ensure the collection of taxes in 2009 as the global economic slowdown reduced revenues
from mining projects. Simplified investment procedures and expanded bank credits for small farmers and small entrepreneurs will
improve Lao's economic prospects. The government appears committed to raising the country's profile among investors. The World
Bank has declared that Laos's goal of graduating from the UN Development Program's list of least-developed countries by 2020 is
achievable. According Laotian officials, the 7th Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2011-15 will outline efforts to achieve
Millennium Development Goals.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Laos)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The politics of Laos takes place in a framework of a single-party socialist republic. The only legal political party is the Lao People's
Revolutionary Party (LPRP). The head of state is President Choummaly Sayasone, who also is secretary-general (leader) of the
LPRP. The head of government is Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh. Government policies are determined by the party through
the all-powerful nine-member Politburo and the 49-member Central Committee. Important government decisions are vetted by the
Council of Ministers.
Laos' first, French-written and monarchical constitution was promulgated on May 11, 1947 and declared it to be an independent
state within the French Union. The revised constitution of May 11, 1957 omitted reference to the French Union, though close
educational, health and technical ties with the former colonial power persisted. The 1957 document was abrogated on December 3,
1975, when a communist People's Republic was proclaimed. A new constitution was adopted in 1991 and enshrined a "leading
role" for the LPRP. The following year, elections were held for a new 85-seat National Assembly with members elected by secret
ballot to five-year terms. This National Assembly, which essentially acts as a rubber stamp for the LPRP, approves all new laws,
although the executive branch retains authority to issue binding decrees. The most recent elections took place in April 2006. The
assembly was expanded to 99 members in 1997 and in 2006 elections had 115.
The FY 2000 central government budget plan called for revenue of $180 million and expenditures of $289 million, including capital
expenditures of $202 million.
In recent years bomb attacks against the government have occurred, coupled with small exchanges of fire, across Laos. A variety of
different groups have claimed responsibility including the Committee for Independence and Democracy in Laos and Lao Citizens
Movement for Democracy.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Laos
Revolutionary Party (LPRP). The head of state is President Choummaly Sayasone, who also is secretary-general (leader) of the
LPRP. The head of government is Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh. Government policies are determined by the party through
the all-powerful nine-member Politburo and the 49-member Central Committee. Important government decisions are vetted by the
Council of Ministers.
Laos' first, French-written and monarchical constitution was promulgated on May 11, 1947 and declared it to be an independent
state within the French Union. The revised constitution of May 11, 1957 omitted reference to the French Union, though close
educational, health and technical ties with the former colonial power persisted. The 1957 document was abrogated on December 3,
1975, when a communist People's Republic was proclaimed. A new constitution was adopted in 1991 and enshrined a "leading
role" for the LPRP. The following year, elections were held for a new 85-seat National Assembly with members elected by secret
ballot to five-year terms. This National Assembly, which essentially acts as a rubber stamp for the LPRP, approves all new laws,
although the executive branch retains authority to issue binding decrees. The most recent elections took place in April 2006. The
assembly was expanded to 99 members in 1997 and in 2006 elections had 115.
The FY 2000 central government budget plan called for revenue of $180 million and expenditures of $289 million, including capital
expenditures of $202 million.
In recent years bomb attacks against the government have occurred, coupled with small exchanges of fire, across Laos. A variety of
different groups have claimed responsibility including the Committee for Independence and Democracy in Laos and Lao Citizens
Movement for Democracy.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Laos
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; talks continue on completion of
demarcation with Thailand but disputes remain over islands in the Mekong River; concern among Mekong Commission members
that China's construction of dams on the Mekong River will affect water levels
demarcation with Thailand but disputes remain over islands in the Mekong River; concern among Mekong Commission members
that China's construction of dams on the Mekong River will affect water levels
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Estimated opium poppy cultivation in 2008 was 1,900 hectares, about a 73% increase from 2007; estimated potential opium
production in 2008 more than tripled to 17 metric tons; unsubstantiated reports of domestic methamphetamine production;
growing domestic methamphetamine problem (2007)
production in 2008 more than tripled to 17 metric tons; unsubstantiated reports of domestic methamphetamine production;
growing domestic methamphetamine problem (2007)
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Laos
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Lao People's Democratic Republic, with a World Bank-estimated population of 6.3 million, is an authoritarian one-party state ruled
by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). The most recent National Assembly (NA) election was held in 2006. The constitution
legitimizes only a single party, the LPRP, and almost all candidates in the 2006 election were LPRP members vetted by the party. The
LPRP generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Lao People's Democratic Republic, with a World Bank-estimated population of 6.3 million, is an authoritarian one-party state ruled
by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). The most recent National Assembly (NA) election was held in 2006. The constitution
legitimizes only a single party, the LPRP, and almost all candidates in the 2006 election were LPRP members vetted by the party. The
LPRP generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
- The central government continued to deny citizens the right to change their government.
- Prison conditions were harsh and at times life threatening.
- Corruption in the police and judiciary persisted.
- The government infringed on citizens' right to privacy and did not respect the rights to freedom of speech, the press, assembly,
or association. - Local officials at times restricted religious freedom and freedom of movement.
- Trafficking in persons, especially women and girls for prostitution, remained a problem, as did discrimination against ethnic
minorities. - Workers' rights were restricted.
27 January 2010
Human Rights Council
Thirteenth session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to
development
Report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir
Mission to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Summary
The present report contains the findings and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief arising from
her mission from 23 to 30 November 2009 to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The Special Rapporteur gives an overview of the
international human rights standards, domestic legal framework on freedom of religion or belief and religious demography in the Lao
People’s Democratic Republic.
Subsequently, the Special Rapporteur highlights issues of concern related to her mandate. These concerns relate to the text and
implementation of Decree No. 92/PM for the Management and Protection of Religious Activities; allegations of forced conversions and
evictions; the isolation of religious minorities; liberty of movement in the context of religious activities; freedom of religion or belief of
persons deprived of their liberty; and some beliefs and customs of animists or ancestor worshippers.
The Special Rapporteur concludes that the people of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic are generally very tolerant on religious
matters; however, during the last 12 years the mandate has also received a number of serious allegations of human rights violations by
the State, such as arrests on the basis of religion, or official campaigns aimed at forcing Christians to renounce their faith. The situation
seems to have vastly improved recently, yet the Special Rapporteur remains concerned with individual cases and certain policies that
clearly violate freedom of religion or belief. She recommends a review of Decree No. 92/PM for the Management and Protection of
Religious Activities and suggests that explanatory policy directions be passed on to the provincial and district levels to avoid any
discriminatory interpretation. Since members of religious minorities seem to have little or no access to higher education, the Special
Rapporteur recommends extending the affirmative action schemes, which already exist for members of ethnic minorities, to religious
minorities. Furthermore, bureaucratic controls over and impediments to liberty of movement in the context of religious activities should
be discontinued. In addition, the State should provide the personnel of detention facilities with adequate training to raise awareness of
their duty to promote and respect international human rights standards, including freedom of religion or belief. The Special Rapporteur
also notes with interest the Government Legal Sector Master Plan and its call for the implementation of a research project on customary
justice practices
Click here to read more »
Human Rights Council
Thirteenth session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to
development
Report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir
Mission to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Summary
The present report contains the findings and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief arising from
her mission from 23 to 30 November 2009 to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The Special Rapporteur gives an overview of the
international human rights standards, domestic legal framework on freedom of religion or belief and religious demography in the Lao
People’s Democratic Republic.
Subsequently, the Special Rapporteur highlights issues of concern related to her mandate. These concerns relate to the text and
implementation of Decree No. 92/PM for the Management and Protection of Religious Activities; allegations of forced conversions and
evictions; the isolation of religious minorities; liberty of movement in the context of religious activities; freedom of religion or belief of
persons deprived of their liberty; and some beliefs and customs of animists or ancestor worshippers.
The Special Rapporteur concludes that the people of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic are generally very tolerant on religious
matters; however, during the last 12 years the mandate has also received a number of serious allegations of human rights violations by
the State, such as arrests on the basis of religion, or official campaigns aimed at forcing Christians to renounce their faith. The situation
seems to have vastly improved recently, yet the Special Rapporteur remains concerned with individual cases and certain policies that
clearly violate freedom of religion or belief. She recommends a review of Decree No. 92/PM for the Management and Protection of
Religious Activities and suggests that explanatory policy directions be passed on to the provincial and district levels to avoid any
discriminatory interpretation. Since members of religious minorities seem to have little or no access to higher education, the Special
Rapporteur recommends extending the affirmative action schemes, which already exist for members of ethnic minorities, to religious
minorities. Furthermore, bureaucratic controls over and impediments to liberty of movement in the context of religious activities should
be discontinued. In addition, the State should provide the personnel of detention facilities with adequate training to raise awareness of
their duty to promote and respect international human rights standards, including freedom of religion or belief. The Special Rapporteur
also notes with interest the Government Legal Sector Master Plan and its call for the implementation of a research project on customary
justice practices
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD 2010 REPORT
Political Rights Score: 7
Civil Liberties Score: 6
Status: Not Free
Overview
The Laotian government continued to encourage large-scale foreign investment and development projects in 2009, often at the expense
of small farmers and tribal communities. The United States lifted trade restrictions on the country in June despite objections from human
rights activists. Also during the year, Laos reached a deal with Britain to repatriate two British citizens facing life in prison for drug
smuggling. However, human rights advocates in December voiced concern over the fate of some 4,000 Hmong migrants to be deported
by Thai authorities at the request of the Laotian government.
In June 2009, the United States removed Laos from a trade blacklist that had prevented U.S. businesses operating in the country from
receiving government-backed loans. The decision was based on Laos’s shift toward open markets, but critics said it ignored human
rights concerns.
Also in 2009, Laos and Britain reached an agreement that allowed two Britons serving life sentences for drug offenses in Laos to be
transferred to Britain. The two cases drew international attention to Laos’s harsh penalties for nonviolent drug crimes. Smuggling 500 or
more grams of heroin carries the death penalty, and one of the Britons was arrested with 680 grams, but she was spared a death
sentence after she became pregnant in custody under unclear circumstances.
In December, some 400 Hmong migrants were sent back to Laos by the Thai government, 158 of whom are officially recognized as
United Nations refugees. The group was the first of 4,000 Hmong to be deported by Thai authorities at the request of the Laotian
government. Human rights advocates have voiced concern over the welfare of the migrants, as it was not clear at year’s end what the
Laotian government planned to do with them.
Laos is not an electoral democracy. The 1991 constitution makes the LPRP the sole legal political party and grants it a leading role at all
levels of government. The LPRP vets all candidates for election to the rubber-stamp National Assembly, whose 115 members elect the
president. Elections are held every five years, most recently in 2006, when former vice president and defense minister Choummaly
Sayasone became head of the LPRP and state president.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 7
Civil Liberties Score: 6
Status: Not Free
Overview
The Laotian government continued to encourage large-scale foreign investment and development projects in 2009, often at the expense
of small farmers and tribal communities. The United States lifted trade restrictions on the country in June despite objections from human
rights activists. Also during the year, Laos reached a deal with Britain to repatriate two British citizens facing life in prison for drug
smuggling. However, human rights advocates in December voiced concern over the fate of some 4,000 Hmong migrants to be deported
by Thai authorities at the request of the Laotian government.
In June 2009, the United States removed Laos from a trade blacklist that had prevented U.S. businesses operating in the country from
receiving government-backed loans. The decision was based on Laos’s shift toward open markets, but critics said it ignored human
rights concerns.
Also in 2009, Laos and Britain reached an agreement that allowed two Britons serving life sentences for drug offenses in Laos to be
transferred to Britain. The two cases drew international attention to Laos’s harsh penalties for nonviolent drug crimes. Smuggling 500 or
more grams of heroin carries the death penalty, and one of the Britons was arrested with 680 grams, but she was spared a death
sentence after she became pregnant in custody under unclear circumstances.
In December, some 400 Hmong migrants were sent back to Laos by the Thai government, 158 of whom are officially recognized as
United Nations refugees. The group was the first of 4,000 Hmong to be deported by Thai authorities at the request of the Laotian
government. Human rights advocates have voiced concern over the welfare of the migrants, as it was not clear at year’s end what the
Laotian government planned to do with them.
Laos is not an electoral democracy. The 1991 constitution makes the LPRP the sole legal political party and grants it a leading role at all
levels of government. The LPRP vets all candidates for election to the rubber-stamp National Assembly, whose 115 members elect the
president. Elections are held every five years, most recently in 2006, when former vice president and defense minister Choummaly
Sayasone became head of the LPRP and state president.
Click here to read more »
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
29 September 2010
Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Amnesty International urges immediate and unconditional release of long-held peaceful
demonstrators, to guarantee freedom of speech, and to fully respect the rights of asylum-seekers
Human Rights Council adopts Universal Periodic Review outcome on Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Amnesty International welcomes the engagement of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic with the Universal Periodic Review as part of
its stated efforts to promote and protect human rights.
It deeply regrets, however, that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic rejected the recommendation to release peaceful demonstrators.
At least five men were arrested on 26 October 1999 for attempting to hold a peaceful demonstration in Vientiane and calling for peaceful
economic, political and social change. Three are reported to remain in detention despite having completed their 10-year prison sentences.
Thongpaseuth Keuakoun, a father of seven children, Seng-Aloun Phengphanh and Bouavanh Chanhmanivong should have been released
at the latest in October 2009. Amnesty International strongly urges the Lao authorities to demonstrate its commitment to protecting
human rights in practice and to release the three men immediately and unconditionally.
Amnesty International welcomes the government’s support of those recommendations, announced in the Addendum to the report of the
review, that call for full implementation of provisions in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) related to
freedom of speech, including through review of domestic legislation. The organization is disappointed, however, that recommendations
to revoke laws that suppress the right to freedom of expression and assembly were rejected. The reasons provided for rejection appear
to reflect the government’s wish to retain the strong limitations on the right to freedom of expression currently in place, which are
contrary to the ICCPR provisions it claims to support. Amnesty International urges the government to reconsider its position on these
recommendations.
Several states made recommendations with regard to the thousands of Lao Hmong, including refugees and asylum-seekers forcibly
returned from Thailand to Laos in December 2009.4 Amnesty International regrets the government’s only partial support for these
recommendations and urges it to ensure unhindered and independent access by UNHCR and humanitarian agencies to all returnees in
resettlement sites at Phalak and Nongsan in Vientiane Province and Phonkham in Borikhamsay Province. While the authorities have
organized several visits to these sites for diplomats and journalists, full and free access was not provided and opportunities for returnees
to speak freely to the visitors without repercussions were extremely limited. This hampered a proper assessment of conditions and
treatment of returnees.
Click here to read more »
PUBLIC STATEMENT
29 September 2010
Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Amnesty International urges immediate and unconditional release of long-held peaceful
demonstrators, to guarantee freedom of speech, and to fully respect the rights of asylum-seekers
Human Rights Council adopts Universal Periodic Review outcome on Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Amnesty International welcomes the engagement of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic with the Universal Periodic Review as part of
its stated efforts to promote and protect human rights.
It deeply regrets, however, that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic rejected the recommendation to release peaceful demonstrators.
At least five men were arrested on 26 October 1999 for attempting to hold a peaceful demonstration in Vientiane and calling for peaceful
economic, political and social change. Three are reported to remain in detention despite having completed their 10-year prison sentences.
Thongpaseuth Keuakoun, a father of seven children, Seng-Aloun Phengphanh and Bouavanh Chanhmanivong should have been released
at the latest in October 2009. Amnesty International strongly urges the Lao authorities to demonstrate its commitment to protecting
human rights in practice and to release the three men immediately and unconditionally.
Amnesty International welcomes the government’s support of those recommendations, announced in the Addendum to the report of the
review, that call for full implementation of provisions in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) related to
freedom of speech, including through review of domestic legislation. The organization is disappointed, however, that recommendations
to revoke laws that suppress the right to freedom of expression and assembly were rejected. The reasons provided for rejection appear
to reflect the government’s wish to retain the strong limitations on the right to freedom of expression currently in place, which are
contrary to the ICCPR provisions it claims to support. Amnesty International urges the government to reconsider its position on these
recommendations.
Several states made recommendations with regard to the thousands of Lao Hmong, including refugees and asylum-seekers forcibly
returned from Thailand to Laos in December 2009.4 Amnesty International regrets the government’s only partial support for these
recommendations and urges it to ensure unhindered and independent access by UNHCR and humanitarian agencies to all returnees in
resettlement sites at Phalak and Nongsan in Vientiane Province and Phonkham in Borikhamsay Province. While the authorities have
organized several visits to these sites for diplomats and journalists, full and free access was not provided and opportunities for returnees
to speak freely to the visitors without repercussions were extremely limited. This hampered a proper assessment of conditions and
treatment of returnees.
Click here to read more »
Letter to the President of Lao PDR regarding the Treatment of Repatriated Lao Hmong
January 30, 2010
Dear President Sayasone,
We write to express our serious concerns for the safety and protection of the 4689 Lao Hmong who were forcibly returned by the Thai
government from Ban Huay Nam Khao and Nong Khai to Laos on December 28, 2009.
As you know, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has requested that your government grant it immediate
access to all the Hmong returnees. Given the difficulties faced by some prior Hmong returnees, we urge you to immediately allow
unhindered and continuous access by UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations to all returnees to ensure that the treatment of the
returnees is in accordance with international standards. We believe the presence of credible observers will help allay significant ongoing
concerns in the international community about your government's handling of this situation.
We are concerned that while your government has assured outsiders that it is providing humane treatment to all returnees, no media or
outside observers have been allowed to monitor the treatment or location of the Hmong. Recent international media accounts found a
group of returned Hmong held in a camp near Paksan, surrounded by razor wire and armed guards, and unable to leave the area. When
reporters approached the camp, Lao security officials detained and interrogated them, searched their car, and forced them to depart the
area.
We note that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on January 4, 2010, which reiterates the returnees are Lao citizens and
"enjoy equal rights and obligations like other Lao citizens." The Lao government must live up to its commitments under the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Laos is a party, which requires your government to ensure the right to liberty
and security of all persons, which includes freedom from arbitrary detention, freedom of movement, and freedom to choose a place of
residence.
The Lao government also has an obligation to ensure that no one is subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment. Accordingly, the Lao government should take all necessary action to prevent the ill-treatment of returnees. Again, we
believe that permitting international observers to have access to these Hmong returnees is in the interest of the Lao government, since
such action would likely help assure the international community and the United Nations about your government's stated intentions to
respect their rights.
Click here to read more »
January 30, 2010
Dear President Sayasone,
We write to express our serious concerns for the safety and protection of the 4689 Lao Hmong who were forcibly returned by the Thai
government from Ban Huay Nam Khao and Nong Khai to Laos on December 28, 2009.
As you know, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has requested that your government grant it immediate
access to all the Hmong returnees. Given the difficulties faced by some prior Hmong returnees, we urge you to immediately allow
unhindered and continuous access by UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations to all returnees to ensure that the treatment of the
returnees is in accordance with international standards. We believe the presence of credible observers will help allay significant ongoing
concerns in the international community about your government's handling of this situation.
We are concerned that while your government has assured outsiders that it is providing humane treatment to all returnees, no media or
outside observers have been allowed to monitor the treatment or location of the Hmong. Recent international media accounts found a
group of returned Hmong held in a camp near Paksan, surrounded by razor wire and armed guards, and unable to leave the area. When
reporters approached the camp, Lao security officials detained and interrogated them, searched their car, and forced them to depart the
area.
We note that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on January 4, 2010, which reiterates the returnees are Lao citizens and
"enjoy equal rights and obligations like other Lao citizens." The Lao government must live up to its commitments under the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Laos is a party, which requires your government to ensure the right to liberty
and security of all persons, which includes freedom from arbitrary detention, freedom of movement, and freedom to choose a place of
residence.
The Lao government also has an obligation to ensure that no one is subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment. Accordingly, the Lao government should take all necessary action to prevent the ill-treatment of returnees. Again, we
believe that permitting international observers to have access to these Hmong returnees is in the interest of the Lao government, since
such action would likely help assure the international community and the United Nations about your government's stated intentions to
respect their rights.
Click here to read more »
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Laos Foreign Policy Statement
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Madame/Mr. President, delegates and distinguished guests,
The delegation of Laos is honored to participate in this year’s meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Laos understands
the grave importance of these issues and is dedicated to finding constructive solutions to better the future state of the nations of our
world.
On the issue of international kidnapping, Laos is aware that kidnapping has arisen as a major problem and would like to note this is a
serious issue in Indochina. Recently, Vietnamese women have been kidnapped by Chinese gangs and trafficked back to China for sale as
brides. Laos fears for the protection of its citizens, namely the women of Laos, in the event that these Chinese gangs were to move forth
into Laos. The fact Laos shares a border with both Vietnam and China, gives Laos greater reason to fear. Further, Laos’s southwestern
neighbour Thailand houses a multi-billion dollar multi-national sex industry, which kidnaps and traffics young girls. The women of Laos
have already felt some minor effects of these illicit businesses, and the impact of these crimes is expanding rapidly throughout Laos.
Therefore, Laos strongly supports the strengthening of the UN’s provisions on international kidnapping and human trafficking.
Concerning immigrants rights, Laos is affected very little by the entry of illegal immigrants into the country due to our tight immigration
system, and Australia’s strong aid in protecting the Laos border. In addition, Laos receives substantial support from the entirety of the
ASEAN, as well as most European nations in enforcing Laotian immigration. Thus, Laos has little opinion on the issues of immigration
and is not affected by the repercussions of the current immigration problems in Europe.
On the issue of the rights of foreign workers, Laos feels the rights of all its workers are adequate and uniform. However, currently there
is a major problem with immigrant workers taking jobs from Laotian workers, which is severely hurting the Laotian economy. Laos has
no intention to remove these workers, as is being done in Europe, Laos would simply like to reform the rights of Laotian workers to
have precedence over foreign workers. Therefore, Laos is opposed to the strengthening of the rights of foreign workers.
Laos feels the issues of international kidnapping, immigrants rights, and the rights of foreign workers are currently extremely important
to all regions of the world, not merely Europe, the Middle East and Africa, that are dominating the headlines. Laos hopes the UN takes
into consideration the effect of these problems on Indochina and takes serious action towards global reform regarding these issues.
Click here to read more »
Laos Foreign Policy Statement
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Madame/Mr. President, delegates and distinguished guests,
The delegation of Laos is honored to participate in this year’s meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Laos understands
the grave importance of these issues and is dedicated to finding constructive solutions to better the future state of the nations of our
world.
On the issue of international kidnapping, Laos is aware that kidnapping has arisen as a major problem and would like to note this is a
serious issue in Indochina. Recently, Vietnamese women have been kidnapped by Chinese gangs and trafficked back to China for sale as
brides. Laos fears for the protection of its citizens, namely the women of Laos, in the event that these Chinese gangs were to move forth
into Laos. The fact Laos shares a border with both Vietnam and China, gives Laos greater reason to fear. Further, Laos’s southwestern
neighbour Thailand houses a multi-billion dollar multi-national sex industry, which kidnaps and traffics young girls. The women of Laos
have already felt some minor effects of these illicit businesses, and the impact of these crimes is expanding rapidly throughout Laos.
Therefore, Laos strongly supports the strengthening of the UN’s provisions on international kidnapping and human trafficking.
Concerning immigrants rights, Laos is affected very little by the entry of illegal immigrants into the country due to our tight immigration
system, and Australia’s strong aid in protecting the Laos border. In addition, Laos receives substantial support from the entirety of the
ASEAN, as well as most European nations in enforcing Laotian immigration. Thus, Laos has little opinion on the issues of immigration
and is not affected by the repercussions of the current immigration problems in Europe.
On the issue of the rights of foreign workers, Laos feels the rights of all its workers are adequate and uniform. However, currently there
is a major problem with immigrant workers taking jobs from Laotian workers, which is severely hurting the Laotian economy. Laos has
no intention to remove these workers, as is being done in Europe, Laos would simply like to reform the rights of Laotian workers to
have precedence over foreign workers. Therefore, Laos is opposed to the strengthening of the rights of foreign workers.
Laos feels the issues of international kidnapping, immigrants rights, and the rights of foreign workers are currently extremely important
to all regions of the world, not merely Europe, the Middle East and Africa, that are dominating the headlines. Laos hopes the UN takes
into consideration the effect of these problems on Indochina and takes serious action towards global reform regarding these issues.
Click here to read more »
The 62nd Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (10.12.1948 – 10.12.2010)
10 December 2010 | Auteur Som
on the occasion of the 62nd Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(10.12.1948 – 10.12.2010)
At a time when the world celebrates the 62nd Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Lao prisoners of conscience
agonists somewhere North of Vientiane (Laos) in conditions of detention which only HITLER, STALIN , HO CHI MINH , POLPOT and
the Politburo members of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party know the secret .
The People’s Revolutionary Party of the Lao communists have just come to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the its victory of the
people’s Democracy (Marxist-Leninist) , few days before the 62nd Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights . It is a
challenge launched to the Free World by the Vientiane’s dictatorial Authorities.
Since the establishment of dictatorial regime in Laos (02.12.75) , where the single Party has the rights of life and death on the population
, where the Laotian people have become deaf and dumb and blind “without rights , without words and without hopes”, where the
dictatorial authorities make official the dependence of the country to be beneficial to foreigner , where the corruption judges the honesty
, the guilty persons sentence the innocent , and where the Laotian people are not owner of his property .
The Lao National Council for Democracy welcomes the adoption by the European Parliament of 26 November 2009 , a Resolution on
the situation in Laos ; ardently desired, this resolution poses a cornerstone in the foundation hopes to lead the observance of human
rights and democracy in Laos. Until the Lao PDR to meet the demand from Europe, or shows his desire to remain isolated from the
globalization of democratic values in continuing to ignore that respect for human rights is universal.
The LAO-NC renews its appeal to the European Parliament, the UN, the Amnesty International, the International Organisations and donor
countries of the Lao PDR to investigate the fate arrests related to the event 02 November 2009 as those of November 17, 2000 and
October 26, 1999 .
At present, where the world situation is undergoing profound political transformation , Laos remains fundamentally a Stalinist
dictatorship , where the single Party (People’s Revolutionary Party) is undeservedly ruling the country, under a totalitarian regime and
that the human rights are violated, the prisoners of opinion remain always incarcerated without putting on trial and inhumanly treated ,
and where its inhabitants have sunk in the misery and that the democratic expressions have met with so many hindrances, the education
is degrading and the social and cultural values are worn down by a rampant mercantilism .
Click here to read more »
10 December 2010 | Auteur Som
on the occasion of the 62nd Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(10.12.1948 – 10.12.2010)
At a time when the world celebrates the 62nd Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Lao prisoners of conscience
agonists somewhere North of Vientiane (Laos) in conditions of detention which only HITLER, STALIN , HO CHI MINH , POLPOT and
the Politburo members of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party know the secret .
The People’s Revolutionary Party of the Lao communists have just come to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the its victory of the
people’s Democracy (Marxist-Leninist) , few days before the 62nd Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights . It is a
challenge launched to the Free World by the Vientiane’s dictatorial Authorities.
Since the establishment of dictatorial regime in Laos (02.12.75) , where the single Party has the rights of life and death on the population
, where the Laotian people have become deaf and dumb and blind “without rights , without words and without hopes”, where the
dictatorial authorities make official the dependence of the country to be beneficial to foreigner , where the corruption judges the honesty
, the guilty persons sentence the innocent , and where the Laotian people are not owner of his property .
The Lao National Council for Democracy welcomes the adoption by the European Parliament of 26 November 2009 , a Resolution on
the situation in Laos ; ardently desired, this resolution poses a cornerstone in the foundation hopes to lead the observance of human
rights and democracy in Laos. Until the Lao PDR to meet the demand from Europe, or shows his desire to remain isolated from the
globalization of democratic values in continuing to ignore that respect for human rights is universal.
The LAO-NC renews its appeal to the European Parliament, the UN, the Amnesty International, the International Organisations and donor
countries of the Lao PDR to investigate the fate arrests related to the event 02 November 2009 as those of November 17, 2000 and
October 26, 1999 .
At present, where the world situation is undergoing profound political transformation , Laos remains fundamentally a Stalinist
dictatorship , where the single Party (People’s Revolutionary Party) is undeservedly ruling the country, under a totalitarian regime and
that the human rights are violated, the prisoners of opinion remain always incarcerated without putting on trial and inhumanly treated ,
and where its inhabitants have sunk in the misery and that the democratic expressions have met with so many hindrances, the education
is degrading and the social and cultural values are worn down by a rampant mercantilism .
Click here to read more »
Laos, Hmong Crisis: Thailand's Samak Uses Troops, Tear Gas
WASHINGTON
May 24, 2010
PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej ordered Thai Third Army troops to use tear gas and pepper
spray today to seek to force hundreds of Lao Hmong refugees onto eleven buses to repatriate them back to the communist regime in
Laos that they fled. On May 16, eight members of the U.S. Senate wrote a letter appealing to Prime Minister Samak and U.S. Secretary
of State Rice to grant asylum to some 8,000 Hmong refugees and not force them back to Laos.
The letter was sent to U.S. Secretary of State Rice by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Senator
Russell Feingold (D-WI), Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator Amy
Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN).
"The Hmong people are joining with the U.S. Senate and House to appeal to the King of Thailand to stop the repatriation of the Hmong
people back to Laos. The Thai military is now using tear gas and pepper spray to force hundreds of Lao Hmong political refugees onto
11 buses at Ban Huay Nam Khao refugee camp in Thailand to force them back to the brutal communist regime in Laos that they fled,"
stated Vaugh Vang, Director of the Lao Human Rights Council. "The Hmong refugees do not want to return to Laos; the Thai military's
use of tear gas, pepper spray and army troops to force the Hmong onto buses is deplorable, and constitutes serious human rights
violations.
"In reaction to the Thai troops now deployed to the Hmong refugee camp, the Hmong refugees have laid down on the road and are
refusing to move, waiting instead for the buses or trucks to run them over so they can die in Thailand instead of returning to Laos,"
stated Dr. Jane Hamilton-Merritt, Southeast Asia Scholar. http://www.tragicmountains.org
Large numbers of Thai troops were deployed to the Hmong refugee camp prior to fires and protests that rocked the camp and set it
ablaze after refugees staged protests and a week-long, 7,000-strong hunger strike opposing forced repatriation back to Laos. The protest
and hunger strike, which began on May 16, followed the earlier arrest of Hmong human rights monitors and the subsequent arrest of
camp leaders.
"We urge the Thai government and Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to honor the recent letters by the U.S. Senate and U.S. Congress
and immediately halt the forced repatriation of the 8,000 Lao Hmong refugees at Petchabun and Nong Khai," stated Philip Smith,
Executive Director for the Center for Public Policy Analysis in Washington, D.C. "The U.S. Congress has urge Prime Minister Samak,
and appealed to His Majesty, the King of Thailand, to give the Hmong sanctuary in Thailand until they can be resettled in third countries
that have agreed to grant them asylum as political refugees," Smith concluded.
Click here to read more>>
WASHINGTON
May 24, 2010
PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej ordered Thai Third Army troops to use tear gas and pepper
spray today to seek to force hundreds of Lao Hmong refugees onto eleven buses to repatriate them back to the communist regime in
Laos that they fled. On May 16, eight members of the U.S. Senate wrote a letter appealing to Prime Minister Samak and U.S. Secretary
of State Rice to grant asylum to some 8,000 Hmong refugees and not force them back to Laos.
The letter was sent to U.S. Secretary of State Rice by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Senator
Russell Feingold (D-WI), Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator Amy
Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN).
"The Hmong people are joining with the U.S. Senate and House to appeal to the King of Thailand to stop the repatriation of the Hmong
people back to Laos. The Thai military is now using tear gas and pepper spray to force hundreds of Lao Hmong political refugees onto
11 buses at Ban Huay Nam Khao refugee camp in Thailand to force them back to the brutal communist regime in Laos that they fled,"
stated Vaugh Vang, Director of the Lao Human Rights Council. "The Hmong refugees do not want to return to Laos; the Thai military's
use of tear gas, pepper spray and army troops to force the Hmong onto buses is deplorable, and constitutes serious human rights
violations.
"In reaction to the Thai troops now deployed to the Hmong refugee camp, the Hmong refugees have laid down on the road and are
refusing to move, waiting instead for the buses or trucks to run them over so they can die in Thailand instead of returning to Laos,"
stated Dr. Jane Hamilton-Merritt, Southeast Asia Scholar. http://www.tragicmountains.org
Large numbers of Thai troops were deployed to the Hmong refugee camp prior to fires and protests that rocked the camp and set it
ablaze after refugees staged protests and a week-long, 7,000-strong hunger strike opposing forced repatriation back to Laos. The protest
and hunger strike, which began on May 16, followed the earlier arrest of Hmong human rights monitors and the subsequent arrest of
camp leaders.
"We urge the Thai government and Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to honor the recent letters by the U.S. Senate and U.S. Congress
and immediately halt the forced repatriation of the 8,000 Lao Hmong refugees at Petchabun and Nong Khai," stated Philip Smith,
Executive Director for the Center for Public Policy Analysis in Washington, D.C. "The U.S. Congress has urge Prime Minister Samak,
and appealed to His Majesty, the King of Thailand, to give the Hmong sanctuary in Thailand until they can be resettled in third countries
that have agreed to grant them asylum as political refugees," Smith concluded.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Lt. Gen. Choummali Saignason
President since 8 June 2006
President since 8 June 2006
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Boun-Gnang Volachit
Vice President since 8 June 2006
Vice President since 8 June 2006
Somsavat Lengsavat, Thongloun Sisoulit, Asang Laoli, Douangchai Phichit
Deputy Prime Minister since 26 February 1998, 27 March 2001, May 2002 and 8 June 2006
Deputy Prime Minister since 26 February 1998, 27 March 2001, May 2002 and 8 June 2006
