WRITTEN QUESTION E-2432/03

by Frédérique Ries (ELDR)and Olivier Dupuis (NI) to the Commission

(22 July 2003)

Subject: Human rights situation in Laos

On Thursday, 3 July 2003, the European Parliament unanimously adopted a resolution calling for the immediate release of the Belgian journalist, Thierry Falise, the French journalist Vincent Reynaud, the American pastor of Hmong origin, Naw-Karl Mua, arrested in Laos and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, and their Laotian escorts. This resolution was a follow-up to those of 15 February(1) and 15 November 2001(2) in which Parliament had already called on the authorities in Vientiane to begin democratic reform in the country and observe human rights and freedoms. However, it is evident that the Laotian government is deaf to these appeals and that there has been no improvement in the human rights situation. Although the release of the three Western citizens on Wednesday, 9 July may be reassuring, there are grave concerns as to the safety and future of their four Laotian escorts. Furthermore, there is still no news of the five leaders of the student Movement of 26 October 1999 who had organised a peaceful demonstration in support of democracy.

Can the Commission confirm that any proposal to consolidate the partnership between the EU and the Lao People's Democratic Republic will be preceded by a detailed and thorough evaluation of the progress made in the human rights sphere, beginning with the release of the five leaders of the Movement of 26 October 1999 and the four Laotian citizens arrested with Thierry Falise, Vincent Reynaud and Naw-Karl Mua?

Can the Commission say exactly how much Community aid has been granted under the cooperation agreement since 1997 and where it was allocated, with particular reference to the 25 ongoing Community projects?

Finally, is the Commission considering taking appropriate measures under Article 19 of the cooperation agreement of April 1997? In other words, does it intend to notify the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic that it will invoke its right to suspend all or part of the bilateral agreement?

(1) OJ C 276, 1.10.2001, p. 281.

(2) OJ C 140 E, 13.6.2002, p. 577.

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(22 August 2003)

The Commission shares the concern expressed by the Honourable Members about the human rights record of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR). While it is content that a diplomatic solution could be found which enabled the release of Messrs. Falise, Reynaud and Mua, the Commission remains concerned with the situation of the four Laotian citizens arrested at the same time.

The Commission, through its Delegation in Vientiane and in close contact with the representatives of Member States, monitors thoroughly the human rights situation in Laos.

As indicated in the Commission's reply to Written Question E-2255/03 of Mr Dupuis(1), the Commission has raised concerns on the overall situation of human rights with the Government of Laos on several occasions in the recent past, including the issue of the five leaders of the Movement of 26 October 1999. Unfortunately, such démarches have had limited results so far.

As regards Community assistance to Laos, this is being implemented in accordance with the current National Indicative Programme 2002-2004, which focuses on the sectors of rural development, education and health. Specific co-operation in the area of good governance, a crosscutting theme, is also proposed. Overall, EUR 18 million have been earmarked for the Laos National Indicative Programme (NIP), of which EUR 7 million have been committed by July 2003.

Since 1997, the Commission has committed EUR 20 million for bilateral projects in Laos, plus about EUR 6,6 million for humanitarian aid, and EUR 6,7 million for assistance via non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the Environment, Health, Education and Food Security Sectors. The bulk of the assistance concentrates on the northern part of the country where the majority of the population belongs to ethnic minorities. The distribution of assistance per sector is roughly as follows: 65 % for rural development, 25 % for social development (health, education) and 10 % for other sectors such as economic co-operation and humanitarian aid. The Commission is available to provide more detailed information on this issue to the Honourable Members upon request.

The Commission maintains a consistent policy of engagement towards the Laotian Government, aimed at supporting change towards the democratisation of the country. This consists of constructive political dialogue with the government, including on human rights issues, combined with continued support to the Laotian population through Community-assisted development co-operation programmes. It should be noted that the Community does not provide direct financial support to the government.

As regards the possible suspension of all or part of the 1997 bilateral agreement, notably development aid, this should be considered as a means of last resort, since such a measure would be likely to negatively affect the many people whose rights are violated.

The Commission will be examining the human rights situation and its possible impact on EU-Laos bilateral relations in view of the next Commission-Laos Joint Committee scheduled for Autumn 2003.

(1) See page 233.