HRC45: Oral statement during adoption of UPR outcomes on Laos

Item 6:UPR Outcome on Laos

Organisation:Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker: Claire Denman

Thank you Madame President,

CSW welcomes Laos’ cooperation with the UPR process and acceptance of recommendations relating to the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB).

While there were some improvements in the protection of the right during the reporting period, weak rule of law, ambiguous terms and obstacles to registration undermine FoRB for Laos’ religious communities.

We welcome the acceptance of recommendations calling for Laos to review and amend Decree No. 315 but regret that Laos noted a recommendation on allowing all religious communities to meet and conduct activities freely, regardless of registration, citing Decree 315 as the justification for doing so. Arbitrary, vague and discriminatory practices and procedures pertaining to religious groups must cease.

Over the past decade there has been a reduction in the number of long-term Christian prisoners of conscience, however in general improvements to FoRB are mostly restricted to urban areas. In rural areas efforts to promote and protect FoRB can be undermined by social hostilities and weak rule of law at the local level, thereby restricting the manifestation and practice of minority religions, and restricting the ability of citizens to choose and change their religion or belief. Christians in rural areas have reported incidents of arbitrary detention, forced eviction, confiscation of land and livestock, destruction of property, harassment and discrimination.

In light of these concerns, we welcome Laos’ acceptance of recommendations 115.48 and 115.118, and further call on the government to immediately and unconditionally release anyone detained in connection with the peaceful practice and observance of their religion or belief. Both state and non-state perpetrators of violations must be brought to justice.

Laos’ acceptance of a recommendation calling for guarantees to freedom of expression of the press, assembly, and association as well as freedom of religion and belief, in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is a welcome step. However, we urge Laos to review its declaration pertaining to Article 18 of the ICCPR and ensure that the guarantees enshrined in Article 18 are applied to all citizens.

Finally, we urge UN Member States to monitor and assist with the implementation of recommendations made during the review.

Thank you