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(2004/C 84 E/0399)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0239/04

by Olivier Dupuis (NI) to the Commission

(2 February 2004)

Subject:   Persecution of Christians and Buddhists in the Lao People's Democratic Republic

The authorities of the Lao People's Democratic Republic recently ordered the arrest of 11 Lao Christians. According to statements made to the Vientiane Times by Mr Yong Chanthalangy, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, those arrested are accused of ‘possessing poisons’. In the same interview, Mr Yong stressed that his country recognises complete freedom of religion, and he rejected the accusations made by various organisations campaigning for the respect of fundamental rights in Laos, according to which the Christians had been arrested for having attended a Christmas mass. The Paris-based Lao Movement for Human Rights had reported the arrest of 11 Christians, most of whom belonged to the Khmu and Oey ethnic minorities, on 28-29 December in the province of Attapeu. At the same time, the movement criticised once again the persecution to which many Christians and Buddhists are subjected, and emphasised that declarations made by the Vientiane authorities advocating freedom of religion are aimed primarily at donor countries and organisations. In reality, religious freedom is viewed as a threat to the regime in power. The spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the persons in question ‘had not been charged but were arrested for questioning on charges of possession of poisons’. Mr Yong also denied reports by Radio Free Asia and other foreign news agencies that 10 Christians had been arrested in the southern province of Savannakhet because they were organising a demonstration against the arrests of Christians in Attepeu.

What information does the Commission have on the arrests of Lao Christians in the provinces of Attapeu and Savannakhet? Does the Commission not believe that arrests of Lao citizens without any charges being made are a manifest violation of democratic principles, the rule of law and fundamental rights, which are the foundations of the EU-Lao PDR Cooperation Agreement? Does the Commission still believe that the Cooperation Agreement should be upheld, despite systematic and extremely serious violations by the Vientiane authorities? Did the Commission raise these issues during the last meeting of the EU-Lao PDR Joint Committee on 7 January 2004? If so, what outcome was achieved?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(27 February 2004)

The Lao government's attitude towards religion has changed during recent years, with the majority of members of the politburo of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party now openly participating in the country's biggest Buddhist ceremonies.

However, the Commission is aware of reports that freedom of religious expression remains restricted in certain parts of Laos, including reports of members of Christian groups being persecuted and/or detained on grounds of their religious affiliation in particular provinces. There have also been reports of arrest and detention of religious believers and their spiritual leaders without charges. This was done despite the fact that the Constitution stipulates ‘the right and freedom to believe or not to believe in religion’.

Regarding the specific cases raised in the question, according to Commission sources the 11 people arrested in Attapeu in December 2003 were released a few weeks ago. The Commission has not been able to confirm the reports of alleged arrests in Svannaketh.

The Commission maintains a policy of constructive political dialogue with the Laotian government, combined with continued support to the most vulnerable groups in the Lao society through EC-assisted development programmes. The suspension of aid until basic human rights are respected should be considered as the last resort, as it would be likely to impact badly on the populations whose rights are violated.

Should, however, the situation deteriorate to such a point that the EU cooperation with Laos had to be put in question, the Commission would be ready to review the present EC co-operation framework with Laos and consider measures as appropriate, in full co-ordination with Member States and the Parliament.

Human rights concerns, including religious freedom, were raised in the recent EC-Laos Joint Committee meeting and it was agreed to set up an Informal Working Group on ‘cooperation in the areas of institution building and administrative reform, governance and human rights’. The Commission will be able to further discuss this matter with the Laotian Government in the Informal Working Group and encourage Laos to undertake additional measures to improve the situation for religious minorities.

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