The 35th Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group will conduct the 3rd UPR of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). All interested individuals and organizations, including civil society organizations, activists, and academics with work related to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic were invited to provide their input ahead of the 3rd UPR cycle that will take place between January and February 2020.

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In this context, Manushya Foundation jointly with CIVICUS and the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) made a joint submission assessing the implementation of UPR recommendations received during Lao PDR's 2nd UPR cycle, focusing particularly on the Government of Lao PDR’s compliance with its international human rights obligations to create and maintain a safe and enabling environment for civil society. The Joint submission provides detailed information on the fulfillment of specific rights and covers the following topics in relation to civic space: 

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• Breaches to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association

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• Unwarranted restrictions, attacks, persecution and unjust surveillance on Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), Civil Society Activists and Journalists

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• Criminalization of Freedom of Expression, Absolute control of the Media and Lack of Access to Information 

 

The submission also provides specific, practical and action-oriented recommendations for the Lao government to create a safe and enabling environment for civil society, to protect human rights defenders, to uphold freedoms of expression, assembly and association and the independence of the media. With our joint submission, we hope Lao PDR's 3rd UPR Cycle will be a real opportunity to improve the human rights situation in the country.