|
|
WHITE PAPER OF THE LAO STUDENTS MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRACY
INTRODUCTION
This paper is to bring to the attention of the Government of the United States of America, the United Nations, more specifically the United High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) and various International Organizations concerning the human rights violation situation by the governments of Laos.
It is universally known that the current Lao Government, since taking over the country, has been ignoring the basic human rights as guaranteed by the constitution and the Charter of the United Nations. In fact, since 1975, the current Lao government is one of the worst governments in regards to respect of basic human rights. There were a number of serious problems that have never been brought to the attention of the international communities. Citizens do not have the right to express the opinion of their government. The security forces abuse detainees, especially those suspected of insurgent or anti-government activities. The judiciary is subject to execute influence, is corrupted, and doesn't ensure citizens' due process. The government restricts freedom of speech, the press, assembly and association.
PURPOSE
The purpose of establishing this movement is to bring together teachers, students, and government officials from all over the land who have similar vision for pushing for Peace, Freedom, Independence, Liberty and above all National Reconciliation for the Laotian people on the globe.
SHORT TERM OBJECTIVES
• To release unconditionally the four key leaders of our movement (Thongpaseuth Keuakoun, Keochay, Bouavanh Chanmanivong, and Seng-Aroun Thengphanh).
• To continuously raise matters of human rights with the Laotian government at every opportunity to seek the release of those imprisoned for human rights and religious reasons.
LONG TERM OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of the Lao Students Movement for Democracy are:
• To restore true democracy for Laos
• To have full Independence for Laos
• To respect the basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution
• To provide framework for peaceful national reconciliation
• To establish multi-political party system of government
• To find solutions for existing economic, social, and political problems;
• To develop the country toward prosperity's
• To abolish all forms of corruption's.
• To abolish the "friendship and cooperation agreement between Laos and Viet Nam" signed on July 17, 1977
• To provide adequate healthcare for the needy
• To provide quality education for all
PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION
On October 26, 1999, the Lao Students Movement for Democracy along with hundreds of supporters were peacefully rallied in front of the Lao Presidential Palace and then marched to the veterans' monument afterward. The purposes of the rally were as followed:
• To call for democratic reforms.
• To urge the Lao government to respect people's rights and freedoms in accordance with the government's Constitution and international laws.
• To demand the unconditional releases of all political prisoners.
• To grant amnesty to former government officials.
• To open dialogues with opposition groups and exiled Laotians for national unity and reconciliation.
The peaceful demonstration also focused on the concerns that Laos has continuously struggled with a worsening economic crisis for most three decades.
DEMONSTRATION CHAOS
Unfortunately, during the peaceful demonstration, the Lao Government used their special forces to crush the demonstrators and captured five of eleven key leaders such as Mr. Thongpaseuth Keuakoun, Khamphouvieng Sisa-at, Keochay, Bouavanh Chanhmanivong, and Seng-Aroun Phengphanh. The Lao Communist government arrested, tortured, and incarcerated them to this day without trials, which violates the one-year statutory limitation. Six of these key leaders managed to escape to Thailand, were granted refugee status by the United Nations High Commissioners for Refugees (UNHCR) and political asylums by the United States of America. The six leaders are: Ms. Nouamkham Khamphylavong, Mr. Lae Phalakhone, Mr, Ket-Anong Souphahack, Mr. Vongsavath Phetpakaisaeng, Ms. Lidsyda Nouanphachanh, and Mr. Aloungnaphonh Chantala. In addition, there were between 300 to 400 other demonstrators also were arrested, questioned, and released. The remainders were able to disappear into the festival crowd. However, most were later arrested in their home while the fate of the rests remained unknown.
DEMONSTRATORS
• The demonstrators were students, teachers, government officials, and peasant. Three former high government officials detained since 1990 for advocating a multiparty system and criticizing restrictions on political liberties, were not tried until 1992. One has died in prison since that time. Also, the court tried and handed down life sentences to three men detained since 1975 for crimes allegedly committed during their tenure as officials of the previous regime. One of these people reportedly died in prison. On denial of fair trial, the constitution provides for the independence of the judiciary and the prosecutor's office; however, senior government and party officials influence the court. Impunity is a problem, as is corruption. In many cases, judges can be bribed and cases would never be resolved.
SHORT TERM RECOMMENDATION
The Lao Students Movement for Democracy would strongly request the assistance of the U.S. government, the United Nations, and various Human Rights institutions. Our demands are as follows:
• To release unconditionally the four key leaders of our movement (Thongpaseuth Keuakoun, Keochay, Bouavanh Chanmanivong, and Seng-Aroun Thengphanh).
• To continuously raise matters of human rights with the Laotian government at every opportunity to seek the release of those imprisoned for human rights and religious reasons.
LONG TERM RECOMMENDATION
The Lao Students Movement for Democracy would strongly request the assistance of the U.S. government, the United Nations, and various Human Rights institutions. Our demands are as follows:
• To release unconditionally all political and religious prisoners.
• To respect basic human rights as guaranteed by the Lao Constitution and the Charter of the United Nations (1951 Geneva Convention).
• To fight all forms of corruption.
• To restore true democracy.
• To organize free and fair elections.
• To guarantee the basic rights, the freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of religion.
• To promote national reconciliation.
• To have full Independence for Laos. |
|
|
AmeriLao Admin
Dr. Richard V. Saisomorn
USA: +1 (202) 241-2549 |
|
|
USER LOGIN
Hi Guest IP: 38.107.191.118
|
|
|
WatLao in USA
- |
|
|
