Documents on Laos | Human Rights Watch

Laos: Drug Users, ‘Undesirables’ Detained, Abused

Press release
Oct 10, 2011

Police and local militia in Vientiane, the capital of Lao PDR, are forcibly detaining people who use drugs in a so-called treatment center where they risk beatings and other abuse, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Homeless people, street children, people with mental disabilities, and others deemed “undesirable” are often detained in the center as well, Human Rights watch said.
ASEAN: Reject Burma as Regional Group’s Chair

Press release
May 5, 2011

Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should reject Burma's request to chair the regional grouping in 2014 until the Burmese government takes genuine steps towards improving human rights, including the release of more than 2,000 political prisoners.
Letter to the President of Lao PDR regarding the Treatment of Repatriated Lao Hmong

Letter
Jan 30, 2010
Letter to Secretary Clinton on the Forced Return of Lao Hmong from Thailand

Letter
Jan 20, 2010

We write in the aftermath of the illegal forced return on December 28, 2009 of 4689 Lao Hmong, including 158 UNHCR “persons of concern,” by Thailand.
Open Letter of Concern for the Safety and Security of Migrant Workers in Thailand

Letter
Jan 18, 2010

Human Rights Watch joins with others to write to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva regarding the safety and security of over two million migrants from Burma, Cambodia and Laos currently working in Thailand.
Refugees Are Not Bargaining Chips

Commentary
Jan 6, 2010

A virus is sweeping Asia. The symptoms are heightened xenophobia and amnesia about fundamental refugee rights.
A Blot on Bangkok's Humanitarian Record

Commentary
Dec 31, 2009

Bordered by authoritarian regimes, Thailand has long struggled to deal with waves of asylum seekers. But Bangkok's decision to repatriate ethnic Hmong to Laos this week stands as a blot on the nation's reputation as a humane port of refuge.
Letter to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Regarding the Deportation of Lao Hmong Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Letter
Dec 24, 2009
Thailand: End Detention of Lao Hmong Refugees

Press release
Nov 20, 2009

The Thai government should immediately end the detention of 158 Lao Hmong refugees held in poor and abusive conditions for three years.
Letter to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on the Detention and Mistreatment of Lao Hmong Refugees

Letter
Nov 20, 2009

We write to you about the ongoing and serious violations of human rights committed by Thai authorities against Lao Hmong refugees at Nong Khai immigration detention center.