Laos has accepted 189 out of 257 human rights recommendations during its recent review, including one to ratify the Convention against Enforced Disappearances. However, it still has not taken this step, despite making similar promises in the past. Rights groups are deeply concerned that Laos rejected calls to properly investigate cases like that of Sombath Somphone, a respected activist who vanished in 2012 after being stopped by police. His family still has no answers. This case highlights Laos’s ongoing failure to address serious rights violations. The government also rejected recommendations to protect basic freedoms, such as speech and peaceful protest, and continues to silence critics. Activists like Savang Phaleuth remain detained without clear charges, and violent attacks like the shooting of Anousa Luangsuphom have not been investigated. Rights groups urge world governments to push Laos to stop abuses, ensure justice for victims, and allow people to speak freely without fear of arrest or harm.
Pray for the Lao government to adhere to the international human rights laws and allow its citizens to exercise their rights and freedoms without oppression. Pray for justice to prevail in the nation (The Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 16:19).
Pray for the LORD to reveal the whereabouts of the disappeared rights activists, including Sombath Somphone in Laos. Pray for the immediate and unconditional release of all the imprisoned rights activists, including Savang Phaleuth. Pray for more freedom of speech and expression in the country (The Holy Bible, Job 36:6).
News Source: Human Rights Watch
Image Source: Canva
