Laos: UN experts appeal for help to probe two-year-old disappearance of rights defender

“It is high time for the authorities of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to voluntarily request international assistance with the aim of shedding light on  Somphone’s fate and whereabouts, two years after his disappearance,” the experts said in a news release.

“International law makes clear that the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has the duty to carry out an independent, thorough, credible and effective investigation,” they added.

Somphone is a prominent human rights activist working on issues of land confiscation and assisting victims in denouncing such practices. He was last seen at a police checkpoint with his car parked in the police compound.

“We urge the authorities to release more information about the progress of investigation, especially to his family,” the experts stressed. “In the absence of any tangible progress, we strongly recommend that an international team of experts work jointly with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to fulfil its legal obligations.”

“We also encourage all States to offer their support to the Government of Lao PDR to ensure that the disappearance of  Somphone is thoroughly investigated,” the experts added.

The situation of human rights in Laos is due to be assessed next month through the Universal Period Review process, which involves a review of the human rights records of all UN Member States. Under the auspices of the Human Rights Council, the process provides the opportunity for each State to declare what actions they have taken to improve their human rights situation.

The experts said they hope that the authorities will respond favourably to a request for an invitation to visit Laos by the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Maina Kiai.

Along with  Kiai, the experts speaking out on Laos on Tuesday include the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Michel Forst; and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and the protection of the right to freedom of expression and opinion, David Kaye.

Independent experts or special rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back, in an unpaid capacity, on specific human rights themes.