Lao government officials continue to engage in particularly severe violations of religious freedom against religious believers. Government officials in Laos continue to arrest, detain (at times for months), and imprison members of minority religions on account of their faith. In some instances, officials forced Christians to renounce their faith.

According to the Department of State, Lao officials, primarily those at the provincial and local levels, continue to arrest and detain individuals participating in religious activities, especially adherents to Christianity, on charges that these individuals are engaging in acts that either "create social turmoil" or are against the state. Since January 2001, more than 84 Christians have been arrested and detained. In July 2002, 38 people remained in prison on account of their religious activities, though recent reports indicate that most have since been released. The State Department has reported that in some cases, prisoners were "handcuffed, detained in leg chains and stocks, and subjected to psychological pressures." Some of these individuals were serving long prison terms, including a person in Oudomxay Province who may still be serving a 15-year sentence for public religious expression and persuasion. In December 2002, government officials in Savannakhet Province arrested and detained over 20 Christians for "unlawful assembly" when they gathered for Christmas services. In April 2003, local officials in the same province arrested two Christian leaders on account of their religious activities and destroyed a church building.

Coerced renunciation campaigns continue in a number of provinces. A reliable source informed the Commission that coerced renunciations occurred in nearly every Lao province in 2001. The State Department reported that district officials had instructed Christians, especially those of the Khmu and Hmong ethnic groups, to sign a document renouncing their faith or face harsh penalties that include arrest, denial of educational opportunities for their children, and restrictions on access to government services. In addition, Christians have reportedly been forced from their homes by local officials for refusing to renounce their faith.

These particularly severe violations of religious freedom are being committed against a backdrop of extensive government interference with and restrictions on all religious communities. Since 1999, more than 85 Protestant Christian churches have been closed, many of which remained closed as of December 2002. Moreover, the Catholic Bishop of Luang Prabang has not been allowed to travel to five of the six provinces in his diocese. The government limits Baha'i religious activities to the four recognized Baha'i centers, which are located in or near major cities, resulting in the fact that Baha'is in the remote areas have not been able to practice their faith. Notwithstanding official support for Buddhism, its clergy remains under strict government control and surveillance.

A Commission delegation visited Laos in February 2002 and noted a number of new developments. Specifically, because of international pressure, the Lao government has begun to take steps that, if continued, could lead to improved protection of religious freedom, including a new decree that would establish a legal basis for religious activities and the equality of all religions. However, an initial examination of the religion law indicates that the law may in fact place new restrictions on religious freedom. It remains to be seen, therefore, if the implementation of the new decree, promulgated in July 2002, will significantly reduce severe religious freedom violations.

Disclaimer:

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.