2004 Programs and Events

Religious Freedom Gets a Boost in Laos (Feb. 24, 2004)

Former American Ambassador-at-Large for Religious Freedom Robert Seiple presented two talks to Lao officials responsible for protecting religious freedom in Laos.

Former American Ambassador-at-Large for Religious Freedom Robert Seiple presented two talks to Lao officials responsible for protecting religious freedom in Laos. In his first talk, “The Religious Foundations of American Society," Seiple effectively tied religious freedom directly to other freedoms that need protection by governments, including the freedoms of speech, expression, and public assembly. He also argued persuasively that Lao officials should have no need of fear religious practices-on the contrary, people support those who protect their rights, and the greater protection that the Lao government gives to all rights, including that of religious freedom, the more it will have the support of the Lao people. Seiple's talks were given at a day-long seminar titled “Religious Freedom: Lao and American Perspectives and Practices,” attended by more than 55 Lao officials from Vientiane and several provinces where persecution of religious minorities has taken place recently.

In his second talk, “The International Community Speaks,” Seiple cited relevant passages from the UN Declaration on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and noted that Laos’ signature on both documents requires it to implement them. Post distributed both documents to all participants; our thanks to the IIP website for making these and other relevant documents easily available. Lao officials also presented two papers describing the constitutional protections that Laos provides for religious practices and the duty of Lao officials to implement them. This seminar is part of a week-long visit to Laos by Seiple that also included calls on the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, the leadership of the Lao Front for National Construction, and visits to several provinces in which persecution of Lao citizens attempting to practice their religion has occurred.