2005 Programs and Events

Embassy Sponors Religious Freedom Seminar (Feb. 25, 2005)

A one-day seminar on "Religious Freedom: Lao and American Perspectives and Practices"

The Public Affairs Section in Vientiane worked with the Lao Front for National Construction to conduct a one-day seminar on "Religious Freedom: Lao and American Perspectives and Practices" attended by more than 70 Lao officials involved in enforcing religious freedom laws at the national, provincial, and district levels throughout Laos.

In the seminar, Robert Seiple, President, Institute for Global Engagement, delivered two talks on the importance of religion in American life and on the need for the Lao government to protect religious freedom, just as it must protect all other rights. By citing passages from the UND eclaration on Human Rights, Seiple made clear Laos' obligation under international law to protect religious freedom. Two Lao officials also spoke on the obligation of local officials to enforce the laws guaranteeing religious freedom in a fair and unbiased manner.

This seminar was part of Seiple's week-long visit to Laos that also included calls on Deputy Prime Minister Somsavath Lengsavath, the governors of several provinces, and other high level officials. Those visits created the opportunity for Ambassador Patricia Haslach to raise with high level Lao officials the issues of religious freedom, protection of human rights in general, and the concept of limited government.