writenet is a network of researchers and writers on human rights, forced migration, ethnic and political conflict WRITENET writenet is the resource base of practical management (uk) e-mail:
[email protected] independent analysis LAOS: SITUATION ANALYSIS AND TREND ASSESSMENT A Writenet Report by Grant Evans commissioned by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Protection Information Section (DIP) May 2004 Caveat: Writenet papers are prepared mainly on the basis of publicly available information, analysis and comment. The papers are not, and do not purport to be, either exhaustive with regard to conditions in the country surveyed, or conclusive as to the merits of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. The views expressed in the paper are those of the author and are not necessarily those of UNHCR, Writenet or Practical Management. TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Acronyms ....................................................................................... i Executive Summary ................................................................................. ii 1 Introduction........................................................................................1 2 Modern History..................................................................................1 2.1 Prison Camps ...............................................................................................2 2.2 The Hmong Resistance ................................................................................4 2.3 The Rise and Fall of Orthodox Communism