WRITTEN QUESTION E-2047/03

by Maurizio Turco (NI), Marco Pannella (NI), Emma Bonino (NI),Marco Cappato (NI), Benedetto Della Vedova (NI), Gianfranco Dell'Alba (NI)and Olivier Dupuis (NI) to the Commission

(19 June 2003)

Subject: Violation of religious freedom in Laos: Christians arrested because of refusal to renounce their faith

Considering that:

- the Lao Movement for Human Rights has reported that twenty Christians were arrested by the authorities in Muong Nong in the southern province of Savannakhet between 17 and 27 May this year, because they refused to renounce their faith;

- those arrested, Haye, Pong, Souyvarn, Vad, See, Choulell, Tan, Ached, Aphad, Laheuy, Alsouylaheuy, Varn, Saly, Asoul, Taliang, Avang, Alorn, Achee, Lahoum and Asouk all belong to the Bru (So) ethnic minority;

- this is the third wave of arrests since 3 April this year promoted by the provincial leaders of the Lao Front for National Construction, one of the single-party government's satellite organisations, responsible for the administration of religious affairs in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. In particular three Christian leaders were arrested at Nong Ing and thirteen Christians were expelled from their houses and villages in Muong Nong on 3 April, and fourteen Christians were expelled from their place of worship in Kenkok on 29 April;

- this campaign of repression against religious minorities in Laos is part of a State policy whereby people must either give up a religion not recognised by the State, leave the region, be expelled from their homes and villages or be arrested.

Knowing that:

- these actions are contrary to the Laotian Constitution and the international conventions signed by Laos.

- the EU's five-year plan for financial aid to Laos includes funding of EUR 14 million for the period 2002-2004.

Can the Commission say:

- whether it is aware of the facts described above, the serious and persistent violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights and the infringement of the Laotian Constitution and the international conventions ratified by Laos;

- whether it considers that financial assistance to Laos may be made conditional upon respect for fundamental human rights, based on compliance with the Constitution?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2003)

The Commission is aware of reports that freedom of religious expression remains restricted in Laos, including reports of members of Christian groups being detained on grounds of their religious affiliation. This is despite the fact that the constitution stipulates

the right and freedom to believe or not to believe in religion. The level of tolerance of religious practice varies between regions. While there have been reports of difficulties for Christian groups seeking to establish new places of worship in particular provinces, Catholic and Protestant followers are able to worship openly in other parts of the country.

The Union Charter of fundamental rights, which guides Commission external action in the field of human rights, makes clear that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion (Article 10) and that cultural, religious and linguistic diversity should be respected.

The Union has repeatedly affirmed that human rights and democratisation must form an integral part of all political dialogues with third countries (and this is the case with Lao People Democratic Republic (PDR)).

Religious freedom and the rights of religious minorities are therefore addressed through bilateral political dialogues, and, when appropriate, through démarches and public declarations, as well as through Union action in fora such as the United Nations Commission on Human Rights or the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.

In the case of Laos, the Commission monitors the situation of religious minorities and other matters relating to human rights closely and concerns are frequently raised in bilateral meetings between the Commission and the Government of Lao PDR. Thus, the situation on human rights, including religious freedom, will also be on the agenda for the Commission-Lao PDR Joint Committee Meeting, due to be held in the autumn of 2003.

Lao PDR is the poorest of the Southeast Asian countries, ranking 143 out of 173 in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Index. Community assistance, focused on rural development activities and support to basic education, is targeted on the most vulnerable sections of the Laotian society, particularly in ethnic minority areas.

In view of the poverty levels in Laos, the Commission is encouraging the Lao Government to make progress in the field of human rights, while continuing its assistance to the population. With the recent opening of a Commission Delegation in Vientiane there will be further possibilities for the Commission to engage in a more profound dialogue on human rights issues with the authorities.