Laos: International donors still raise serious concerns
| Publisher | International Federation for Human Rights |
| Publication Date | 1 December 2014 |
| Cite as | International Federation for Human Rights, Laos: International donors still raise serious concerns, 1 December 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54b8ce1a15.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
During the 2014 Round Table Implementation Meeting held in Vientiane, Laos, on the 14th of November, the EU Delegation issued a statement voicing serious concerns over proposed restrictions on local not-for-profit associations (NPAs) contained in a series of new draft regulations which would seriously curtail their activities.
FIDH and its member organization, the Lao Movement for Human Rights (LMHR) called upon the EDP donors, issuing a press release and letter, to demand government accountability for human rights violations, notably the disappearance of prominent human rights defender Sombath Somphone. FIDH and LMHR also highlighted the increasing restrictions on civil society organisations and international non-governmental organisations. These concerns were clearly reflected in the EU Delegation's statement that called on Laos to urgently resolve the continued disappearance of Sombath Somphone, adding that non-resolution would reflect badly on Laos' upcoming Universal Periodic Review and suggesting inviting the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances to look into the case.
Last Update 1 December 2014
