The United Nations reviewed Laos’ human rights record and found little improvement since five years ago. Laos received 271 recommendations from other countries, mostly repeating past concerns. Countries urged Laos to investigate attacks and disappearances of critics, protect freedoms like speech and assembly, and follow international human rights rules. Despite this, the government continues to target activists, like Savang Phaleuth and Anousa Luangsuphom, without proper investigations. The disappearance of civil leader Sombath Somphone in 2012 remains unsolved. Laos has also been involved in cross-border repression, harming activists in neighboring countries. For example, a Lao activist was killed in Thailand, and a Chinese lawyer was sent back to China and jailed. Laos claims it is working on development and human rights, but it must stop illegal arrests and killings.
Pray for the Lao government to abide by the international human rights laws and uphold the rights and freedoms of all civilians. Pray for more freedom of speech and assembly in the country (The Holy Bible, Job 36:6).
Pray against illegal arrests, disappearances, and killings of rights activists in Laos. Pray for fair and transparent investigations and prosecutions in the allegations against rights activists (The Holy Bible, Psalm 37:6).
News Source: Human Rights Watch
Image Source: Canva
