Groups, organisations, governments and leaders from around the world are concerned about the disappearance of Sombath Somphone. Selected statements and appeals are listed below. Events organised in support of Sombath are listed on a sub-page, as well as pictures from those asking Where is Sombath?
European Development Partners: Statement at 2015 Lao Donor Round Table (27 November 2015)
Sombath Initiative, etc.: Open letter to participants of 2015 Lao Donor Round Table (05 November 2015)
Human Rights Watch: Press release for EU-Lao Human Rights Dialogue (05 November 2015)
International Federation for Human Rights: Press release for EU-Lao Human Rights Dialogue (03 November 2015)
FIDH, Sombath Initiative, etc.: Statement marking 1,000 days since Sombath’s enforced Disappearance. (11 September 2015)
Southeast Asia People’s Solidarity: Letter signed by over 120 organisations working in SE Asia opposing holding the 2016 ASCS/APF forum in the Lao PDR. (10 September 2015)
The May 18th Memorial Foundation: Petition with over 8,000 signatures calling on Lao government to release Sombath Somphone (August, 2015)
The Sombath Initiative: Press release regarding Lao government responses to the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review. (02 July 2015)
International Federation for Human Rights/Lao Movement for Human Rights: Statement on Lao response to UPR recommendations. (30 June 2015) Francais
Amnesty International: Oral statement at Human Rights Council on Lao response to UPR. (25 June 2015)
FORUM-Asia: Oral Statement at HRC29: UPR Plenary on Lao People’s Democratic Republic. (25 June 2015)
Human Rights Watch: Statement at UN Human Rights Council regarding adoption of the outcome of Universal Periodic Review of the Lao PDR. (25 June 2015)
International Federation for Human Rights/Lao Movement for Human Rights: Oral statement at 29th session of the UN Human Rights Council on the adoption of the report on the Lao PDR UPR. (25 June 2015)
AEPF International Organising Committee and Parliamentarians: Open letter to the Steering Committee of the ACSC/APF raising concerns about risks in holding the 2015 Asia People’s Forum in Laos. (22 May 2015)
Asian Federation against Involuntary Disappearance: General Allegation submitted to UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance. (11 May 2015)
May 15 Memorial Foundation: 2015 Special Award from the Gwangju Human Rights Award Committee (11 May 2015) Remarks by Shui Meng Ng in accepting the award.
Human Rights Watch: “Australia: Press Laos to Respect Rights” (02 March 2015)
International Federation for Human Rights/Lao Movement for Human Rights:
“Laos: Civil society leader Sombath Somphone missing for 800 days” (23 February 2015)
ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN People’s Forum: CSO Statement for 2015 Conference to be held in April in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (25 January, 2015)
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights: “Open Le
tter to ASEAN Foreign Ministers on the importance of establishing a genuine regional human rights mechanism” (22 January 2015)
Human Rights Watch: Call for Lao government to make concrete pledges toward improving human rights at Universal Periodic Review. (19 January 2015)
International Federation for Human Rights/Lao Movement for Human Rights: Press release calling for international pressure on Lao government to live up to its UPR commitments. (19 January 2015)
The Sombath Initiative: Petition signed by 145 organisations calling on UN members to make Sombath’s disappearance a central issue at the Universal Periodic Review for Laos. (14 January 2015)
US Embassy: Two Year Anniversary of Lao Civil Society Leader Sombath Somphone’s Disappearance (Lao language) (16 December 2014) (US State Department)
Center for Strategic and International Studies: The International Community Cannot Forget Abducted Sombath Somphone (15 December 2014)
European Union: Statement by the Spokesperson on the second anniversary of the unexplained disappearance of Sombath Somphone (15 December 2014)
82 International Rights Groups: Call on ASEAN to break silence on enforced Disappearance of Sombath Somphone. Press release from FIDH and HRW (15 December 2014)
Canada: Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird marks the second anniversary of the disappearance of Sombath Somphone (14 December 2014)
Amnesty International: Letter to Sombath marking two years since his enforced disappearance (12 December 2014)
Ramon Magsaysay Foundation: Press release asking “Where is Sombath”? after two years. (12 December 2014)
International Commission of Jurists: Report “Missed Opportunities: Recommendations for Investigating the Disappearance of Sombath Somphone (11 December 2014)
European Union: European Development Partners’ statement at Lao PDR’s Round Table Meeting. (17 November 2014) ພາສາລາວ
International Federation for Human Rights/Lao Movement for Human Rights: Appeal to donors attending Roundtable meeting to address human rights as well as development issues. (13 November 2014) Letter sent to donors. langue française
AEPF Participants: Petition signed by 119 participants to the 10th Asia-Europe People’s Forum calling on Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) member states to pressure Lao government. (16 October 2014)
Amnesty International: Call from Amnesty’s European office to keep human rights, including Sombath’s disappearance, at the centre of the ASEM agenda. (15 October 2014)
Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights: Demand that Lao government cease deception regarding investigation. (23 September 2013)
SAPA Working Group on Asean: Call on ASEAN to uphold human rights and investigate cases of enforced disappearances. (05 September 2014)
Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization: Appeal to end Enforced Disappearances in Asean member states. (03 September 2014)
Amnesty International: Renewed call to Lao President Choummaly Sayasone seeking justice for Sombath. (30 August 2014)
39 Groups and Organisations: Statement calling for action on behalf of Sombath and other victims in Southeast Asia marking the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. (30 August 2014)
International Federation for Human Rights: Press release announcing joint report submitted together with Lao Movement for Human Rights to the UN OHCHR for the upcoming Universal Periodic Review for the Lao PDR. (18 June 2014) Français
International Commission of Jurists: Press release regarding ICJ’s report to the UN OHCHR for the Lao Universal Periodic Review in 2015. (17 June 2014)
Asian Parliamentarians for Human Rights: Submission to OHCHR for the upcoming Lao Universal Periodic Review. (15 June 2014)
Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances: Call on AICHR to take action against increasing human rights abuses in the region. (15 June 2014)
Forum Asia: Press release on disappearances of human rights defenders, including that of Sombath. Forum Asia, together with Asia-Europe People’s Forum, also submitted a report to the UN OHCHR for the 2015 Universal Periodic Review for Laos. (13 June 2014)
Human Rights Watch: Statement on HRW’s report sent to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in preparation for Lao’s Universal Periodic Review scheduled for early 2015. (10 June 2014)
European Union: Press release following EU-Lao Working Group on Human Rights and Governance. (21 May 2014)
International Federation for Human Rights: Together with Lao Movement for Human Rights, call on EU for continuing actions in relation to 5th Lao-EU Working Group on Human Rights and Governance. (19 May 2014)
Asian Parliamentarians for Human Rights: Statement praising Singapore government for maintaining pressure on Lao government. (18 April 2014)
Australian Senate: Motion calling for credible investigatio
n and cooperation with international community. (26 March 2014)
Solidarity for Asian Peoples’ Advocacy (SAPA) Working Group on Asean: Statement at 2004 Asian People’s Forum in Yangon. (23 March 2014)
Asian Human Rights Commission & Australian National University Scholars: “Australian academics voice concern for missing Somchai, Sombath” (05 March 2014)
Festival du Film Forum et International sur les Droits Humains: Tribute to Sombath and call for action. (March 2014)
International Network of Engaged Buddhists: Article by Sulak Sivaraksa in their journal Seeds of Peace. (January-April 2014)
Lao Movement for Human Rights: Statement supporting European Parliamentary resolution and calling on AICHR to act (16 January 2014) Français ພາສາລາວ
European Parliament: Demand for clarification on investigation into case of Sombath Somphone (14 January 2014)
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: UN human rights experts repeat call on Lao government to conduct serious investigation (17 December 2013)
Amnesty International-Canberra: Letter to Lao Ambassador to Australia calling for Sombath’s release and justice for the perpetrators of his abduction. (16 December 2013)
Human Rights Watch: Demand for action at one year mark since enforced disappearance by Lao government (16 December 2013)
British Foreign Office: The Foreign Office Minister expresses concern about the disappearance of Sombath Somphone (15 December 2013)
Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs: Call for transparent and thorough investigation (15 December 2013)
Ramon Magsaysay Foundation: Statement marking one year since Sombath’s disappearance (15 December 2013)
John Kerry, US Secretary of State: Statement on one year after Sombath’s abduction (15 December 2013)
International Commission of Jurists: Call for Lao government and AICHR to reverse inaction (14 December 2013)
Samma-Ajiva Initiative: Remembering Sombath, One Year On (13 December 2013)
NGOs: 62 Asian NGOs call for new investigation into the enforced disappearance of Sombath Somphone (13 December 2013) 中国语文
Amnesty International: Urgent Action calling for letters of appeal to be sent to Lao leadership (11 December 2013) Deutsch Sprache
Amnesty International Japan, Human Rights Watch, Mekong Watch, Empowerment for All Japan: Appeal for Sombath’s disappearance to be on agenda for Japan-Asian summit (11 December 2013)
Human Rights Watch: Statement urging Japanese Prime Minister to raise issue during Japan-ASEAN summit (11 December 2013) 中国语文 Langue française
American Friends Service Committee: Follow-up letter to Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs urging investigation into Sombath’s disappearance (25 November 2013)
United States: US Government’s statement at Lao PDR’s Round Table Meeting (19 November 2013)
European Union: European Development Partners’ statement at Lao PDR’s Round Table Meeting (19 November 2013)
Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (IFAD): Appeal to UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (UNWGEID) for more concerted action (18 November 2013)
Asian Parliamentarians for Human Rights: Statement in support of European delegation and calling on Lao government to do more (28 October 2013)
Amnesty International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, FIDH & Human Rights Watch: Letter to European Union delegation traveling to Laos calling for continued pressure regarding Sombath and human rights (25 October 2013)
Shui Meng Ng: Letter on International Day of the Disappeared. จดหมายจากอึ้งชุ่ยเม้งในโอกาสวันรำลึกเหยื่อการบังคับบุคคลให้สูญหายสากล (30 August 2013)
Thai Civil Society Organizations: Statement in Thai and English calling on Lao and Thai governments to take action regarding enforced disappearances. (30 August 2013)
Amnesty International: Press release on the occasion of the International Day of the Disappeared (29 August 2013)
AEPF-IOC: Letter to Lao leadership from the International Organising Committee of the Asia Europe People’s Forum. (28 August 2013)
Third Parliamentarian Delegation: Statement by Søren Bo Søndergaard (Denmark) Paul-Emile Dupret (Belgium) and Mugiyanto (Indonesia) who traveled to Laos on 25-27 August. Video of their press conference held at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand. (28 August 2013)
Parliamentarian’s Follow-up: Letter to Lao leadership on lack of progress since previous parliamentarian delegations (15 June 2013)
Human Rights Watch: Press release urging Lao government to “End Cover-Up in Activist’s ‘Disappearance'” (14 June 2013)
Amnesty International: Le Laos doit garantir le retour d’un dirigeant de la société civile victime de disparition (13 June 2013)
Amnesty International: Publication of the briefing “Caught on Camera: the enforced disappearance of Sombath Somphone” (13 June 2013)
Sombath Somphone and Beyond: Video and panel discussion by Thai and Cambodian youth held during New Year in Southern Thailand (11 June 2013)
Swiss Parliament: Questions on the enforced disappearance of Sombat Somphone, filed by 11 parliamentarians (06 June 2013)
Concerned Scholars and Researchers in Australia: Call on Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs for more concerted action (04 June 2013)
Mekong Watch: Press release on public seminar titled “What is ‘Politically Enforced Disappearance’?” held at the Institute for Asian Cultures, Sophia University, Tokyo on May 25th. (03 June 2013)
Asian Human Rights Organisations: “Five Months On, Demand for Accountability and Action in Sombath Somphone’s Disappearance Intensifies”, statement by FORUM-ASIA, Focus on the Global South, AFAD and KontraS (15 May 2013)
SAPA TFAHR: Plea from the Solidarity for Asian People’s Advocacy Task Force on ASEAN and Human Rights to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (26 April 2013)
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation: “Archbishop Tutu joins CIVICUS in demanding justice for missing Laotian activist” Statement at the CIVICUS website (23 April 2013)
Archbishop Tutu: “Archbishop Tutu Speaks out for Sombath” Statement from Archbishop Tutu’s office regarding a letter sent to Lao Government. (20 April 2013)
International Conference on Lao Studies: Statement signed by some participants at conference in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. (19-21 April 2013)
Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation: Press release calling for Sombath’s return on occasion of 12 April action at Philippine Depart of Foreign Affairs. (17 April 2013)
SAPA Working Group on Asean: Solidarity event (video) for Sombath Somphone held in Manila, with statement presented to Philippine Dept. of Foreign Affairs. (12 April 2013)
Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances: Letter presented to Philippine Dept. of Foreign Affairs. (08 April 2013)
Focus on the Global South: “Where is Sombath Somphone?” Article in newsletter to mark 100 days since Sombath’s disappearance. (25 March 2013)
International Organising Committee AEPF9: Statement from the IOC of the Asia Europe People’s Forum on 100 days since the disappearance of Sombath Somphone (25 March 2013)
ASEAN Watch:115 civil society organizations and 80 individuals request Thai government to join the effort to protect the rights of the citizens of the Lao PDR. Letter available in Thai and English. (25 March 2013)
John Kerry , US Secretary of State: Press Statement on the 100 Days Since the Disappearance of Lao Civil Society Leader Sombath Somphone (25 March 2013), John Kerry Statement in Lao Language
Mekong Youth Network: A letter in Thai and English from 171 persons to the Lao Prime Minister to take action and abide by international conventions. (15 March 2013)
European Delegation: A report by the delegation that visited Laos 6-9 March 2013. Also a press statement ‘The clock is ticking with the case of Sombath Somphone’.
International Organising Committee, AEPF9: ‘Reflections and lesson learning’ (28 February 2013)
Finnish NGOs: A public statement calling on Finland to urge the Lao Government to investigate the incident and guarantee space for civil society. (20 February 2013) (suomen kieli on täällä)
Human Rights Watch: Letter to the Lao representative of the ASEAN Inter-governmental Commission on Human Rights, concerning the disappearance of Sombath Somphone. (20 February 2013) (Française) (Việt)
Human Rights Watch: Press release urging Laos to “End Silence on ‘Disappeared’ Activist.” (19 February 2013)
Concerned Parties-03: Third letter requesting more concerted action and good faith by Lao Government from 84 individuals and organisations. (13 February 2013)
European Parliament: Resolution on Laos: the case of Sombath Somphone. You can watch a video of the debate in Strasbourg here. (07 February 2013)
International Parliamentarians: Follow-up letter to the Lao Prime Minister from 67 Members of Parliament from 14 countries and the European Union. (05 February 2013)
Australian Citizens: Letter from 90 concerned citizens to Bob Carr, Minister of Foreign Affairs, calling for action by Australian Government. (04 February 2013)
European Union: Press Release on the 4th meeting of the Lao PDR-European Union Working Group on “Human Rights and Governance”. (04 February 2013)
Lao Movement for Human Rights: Statement on occasion of European Union dialogue on human rights with the Lao PDR. (01 February 2013) Français
AFSC Staff: Letter to the Lao President from 12 persons who have worked with the American Friends Service Committee program in Laos. (01 February 2013)
International Commission of Jurists: Call for AICHR to take action regarding the disappearance of Sombath Somphone. (21 January 2013)
Avaaz Community Petition: Letter to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), on behalf of 2,889 individuals who signed the Avaaz Community Petition. (21 January 2013)
Amnesty International: Call for urgent action regarding the disappearance of Sombath Somphone. (18 January 2013)
Forum-Asia: Letter to the Lao Prime Minister, signed by 65 national, regional and international human rights organizations. (17 January 2013)
Hillary Clinton , US Secretary of State: Press Statement on the Disappearance of Lao Civil Society Leader Sombath Somphone. (16 January 2013)
ASEAN Parliamentary Delegation: Statement from Walden Bello on visit of three ASEAN Parliamentarians to Laos on 13-15 January. (16 January 2013)
EU Human Rights Subcommittee: Letter from the Chair of the EU Human Rights Subcommittee to the Lao Ambassador in Brussels calling for an investigation and to return Sombath to his family. (15 January 2013)
Indian Organisations: Appeal by ten organisations “Against the disappearance of Mr. Sombath Somphone”. (08 January 2013)
TVE Asia Pacific: Webpage “Where is Sombath Somphone, Lao Development Visionary?” (04 January 2013)
Forum-Asia: Open Letter to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). (04 January 2013)
Ng Shui Meng: Second appeal to Lao government asking for information on investigation. (03 January 2013)
Concerned Parties-02: Follow-up letter requesting disclosure of status of investigation from 72 organisatons and individuals. (26 December 2012)
Asian Human Rights Commission: Statement on “Somphone Disappearance – Test for Laos as World Watches”. (22 December 2012)
Asian and European CSOs: Call for investigation from over 60 Asian and European Civil Society Organisations. (21 December 2012)
European Union: Statement by Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice President of the Commission. (21 December, 2012)
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Press briefing expressing concern about the disappearance of Sombath Somphone. (21 December 2012)
Respected Thai Figures: Footage of the panel discussion held at the Foreign Correspondence Club of Thailand. Speakers include Sulak Sivaraksa, Kraisak Choonhavan and Somchai Homlaor. (21 December 2012)
Ng Shui Meng: Letter Alounkeo Kittikoun, Deputy Foreign Minister. (20 December 2012)
International NGOs: Letter to Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 22 organisations working in Laos. (20 December 2012)
Human Rights Watch: Statement on the “‘Disappearance’ of Prominent Activist.” (20 December 2012)
Asian Public Intellectuals: Letter of concern “Seeking assistance from the Government of for the safe return of Mr. Sombath Somphone.” (20 December 2012)
The McKnight Foundation: Letter of concern to Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State, United States Department of State. (20 December 2012)
International Parliamentarians: Letter to the Lao Prime Minister from 22 Asian and European Members of Parliament. (19 December 2012)
International Organising Committee of the Asia Europe People’s Forum (IOC-AEPF): Statement of “Our Deep Concern over the Disappearance of Mr. Sombath Somphone”. (19 December 2012)
Ramon Magsaysay Foundation: Appeal from Ramon foundation Awardees, Trustees and Staff “Requesting urgent investigations into the disappearance of Mr. Sombath Somphone and actions to ensure his safety.”(19 December 2012)
Concerned Parties-01: Letter to Prime Minister’s office from 55 organisations and individuals, requesting investigation into the disappearance of Mr. Sombath Somphone. (19 December 2012)
Thai NGOs: Letter from 64 Thai organisations to request urgent investigation into the disappearance of Mr. Sombath Somphone. (18 December 2012)
Ng Shui Meng: Letter to Thongbanh Sengpone, Minister of Public Security (18 December 2012)
Ng Shui Meng: Plea to Head of Cabinet, Ministry of Public Security. (17 December 2012)