Brussels, 22/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 19 May, during the fifth round of the EU-Laos annual working group on human rights and governance, the European Union voiced its concern at the civil society situation in Laos.
During the meeting, the Europeans highlighted the situation of several people - in particular, the disappearance of Sombath Somphone, a prominent civil society activist fighting for fair and sustainable development. “Somphone's disappearance is seen by the EU with grave concern and remains unexplained”, said the European External Action Service (EEAS) in a press release on 21 May. Somphone disappeared on 15 December 2012.
The EU reiterated the importance of “a vibrant civil society environment” in order to contribute to the development of an inclusive and open society. While the EU welcomed the commitment of Laos to improving the transparency of registration of local civil society organisations, it showed concern regarding how long the registration process takes.
The EU expressed its concern about the limitation on freedom of expression, particularly the freedom of the media. (CG)