Dgexpo/B/Poldep/Note/2005 198 29/08/2005] PE N° 362572 EN

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Dgexpo/B/Poldep/Note/2005 198 29/08/2005] PE N° 362572 EN DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR EXTERNAL POLICIES OF THE UNION DIRECTORATE B - POLICY DEPARTMENT - NOTICE TO MEMBERS Hearing on Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam Abstract: Members will find attached, factsheets concerning Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. DGExPo/B/PolDep/Note/2005_ 198 29/08/2005] PE N° 362572 EN This note was requested by the European Parliament's subcommittee on Human rights This paper is published in the following languages: English Author: Xavier Nuttin Manuscript completed in August 2005 Copies can be obtained through: E-mail: [email protected] Brussels, European Parliament, 29/08/2005 The opinions expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Parliament. 2 KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA Capital: Phnom Penh Surface: 176,520 sq km Population: 13.6m (2005 estimate) Head of State: King Norodom Sihamoni (Named king in October 2004, following his father's abdication) Head of Government: Hun Sen (Prime Minister since 1985) GDP growth rate: 6 % (2004) GDP Per Capita in US$: 347 (2004) Institutional Situation Constitutional system The fall of Phnom Penh to the Khmer Rouge on 17 April 1975 saw the end of the Khmer Republic presided by general Lon Nol . The Khmer Rouge remained in control till January 1979 when Vietnamese forces invaded the country and installed the Khmer People's Revolutionary Party. By 1982 a government including the royalist FUNCINPEC party had been formed in exile, but it was not until 1989 that Vietnamese forces left the country. The signing of the Paris Peace Agreements in October 1991 launched a process of reconstruction and transition towards democracy and a market economy in Cambodia, after two decades of conflict and civil war. This process, which was backed by a UN presence until the first national elections in May 1993 (which marked the start of the current political system), facilitated the foundation of a constitutional monarchy with King Norodom Sihanouk as head of State, and led to the establishment of a power-sharing government formed by the royalist FUNCINPEC party and the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). Two co-prime ministers were appointed: Prince Ranariddh of the FUNCINPEC party and Hun Sen of the CPP. The process came to a halt in July 1997 when First Prime Minister Prince Ranariddh was ousted after armed clashes between the two main parties of the Government. The national elections in July 1998 resulted in a National Assembly composed of 3 parties: CPP, FUNCINPEC and the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP). This led to a new coalition government between CPP and FUNCINPEC in late November 1998, based on a common political programme. After the 1998 elections, the government decided to create the Senate, whose members were appointed by the political parties present in the National Assembly and by the King. The first ever communal elections took place in February 2002 as part of the government’s decentralisation policy. The latest elections for the National Assembly were organised in July 2003. Under the 1993 constitution, Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy based on the principles of liberal democracy and pluralism. Head of State. The monarch is the head of state and is selected by the Royal Throne Council from among descendants of the three royal lines. The king serves as head of state for life, though exercises no real power, acting more as a symbol of unity. The monarch appoints the prime minister on the recommendation of the chairman of the National Assembly. King Norodom Sihanouk returned to PNP in 1993 and was reinstalled as King. He abdicated in October 2004 claiming poor health and was replaced by one of his sons, Prince Norodom Sihamoni. Parliament Legislative power resides in parliament, which consists of a 123-seat National Assembly chaired by Prince Ranariddh from the FUNCIPEC, and a 61-member Senate chaired by Chea Sim from the CPP. Members of the former are elected for five-year terms under direct and universal suffrage, whilst members of the latter are appointed. The Senate was formed in March 1999, though it is not very powerful and the Assembly can reject its recommendations. Indirect elections for a new Senate are proposed for January 2007. Nationwide local elections are scheduled for 2007 and legislative elections for 2008. 3 Justice Sector The judiciary comprises three tiers. At its apex is the Supreme Court, under which is the Appeals Court and below this, the Trial Court. The Supreme Council of the Magistracy, headed by the king, deals with court appointments. There are not more than a handful of judges that have formal legal qualifications (the KR killed virtually a entire generation of educated people) and the court system is inadequately funded. Lack of resources, low salaries and poor training all contribute to a high level of corruption and inefficiency in the judiciary and consequently a notable failure to ensure due process. The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) Judicial Reform Council has made no significant progress in fulfilling its mandate to develop and implement reform measures. There is a clear need for further encouragement to the RGC to speed up the implementation of legal and judicial reform (including a clear separation of powers) as a matter of priority. Political Context General Political Climate Following elections in July 2003, the political landscape experienced months of uncertainty until a government was finally formed in June 2004. The Cambodian People's Party (CPP) has traditionally wielded power, albeit latterly more as a coalition, with Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been in power since 1985, exercising effective control. Following the election, the two other main parties, the royalist FUNCINPEC and the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP), called for a tripartite government but discussions ultimately floundered. Instead, the CPP regained its dominant position in a coalition with former partner FUNCINPEC. Since elections in 1998, Cambodia has enjoyed its most stable political period in three decades. About half of the state budget is provided through aid from the international community. Despite huge difficulties linked to insecurity, a culture of impunity and widespread corruption, prospects for political consolidation and gradual democratisation are good. The Government has published in May 2005 a strategy for Deconcentration and Decentralisation, to be implemented by the end of 2007, which aims to create elected Provincial and District Councils, as well as to devolve the management of public services to the local levels. Parliamentary elections July 2003 The elections were observed by an EU election observation mission which concluded that the elections were well conducted but that there was still some way to go to full democracy. None of the main parties could secure the majority required to form a Government . FUNCINPEC and the SRP decided to form an alliance in an attempt to force the CPP to accept a tripartite government. The move failed and following protracted discussions FUNCINPEC allied once again with the CPP. As part of their power-sharing deal, the CPP and FUNCIPEC created a massively expanded government, twice the size of the previous mandate. From the elections it took 11 months to reach a political agreement and decide on the government's composition. which is comprised of 7 deputy prime ministers, 15 senior ministers, 28 ministers, 135 secretaries of state and some 146 undersecretaries of state. The Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) again finds itself in opposition, but with just 24 seats (out of a parliamentary total of 123), is likely to pose little threat to the government. Instead, internal divisions may well create more problems for the ruling coalition, with tensions evident between the CPP (73 seats) and FUNCINPEC (26 seats). Political Parties Cambodian People's Party (CPP): The reformulated Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Party (KPRP), which was installed in government by the Vietnamese in 1979 is led by Prime Minister Hun Sen. The CPP is the largest party in the National Assembly. However, its inability to obtain a full majority forced it into securing a coalition government with FUNCINPEC. The party has an extensive web of village-level organisation and this contributes to create an environment for the political campaigning largely favourable to CPP. 4 FUNCINPEC (National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Co-operative Cambodia): Founded in 1978 in opposition to the Vietnamese-backed KPRP. Led by Prince Norodom Ranariddh and strongly aligned with the monarchy, FUNCINPEC has been in gradual decline, seeing its share of votes reduced to 20% in the 2003 elections. The party is rife with factionalism, following the decision by several members to remain in government after Ranariddh was ousted by Hun Sen in July 1997. Two breakaway factions broke ranks in mid-2002. The Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) is the only opposition party in the National Assembly, led by former economy and finance minister and ex-FUNCINPEC member Sam Rainsy. Formed in 1995 in vocal opposition to the government, the party maintains its antagonistic stance, particularly towards the CPP. Policies rest on a platform of anti-corruption, accountable government and development, and the party has progressively increased its share of votes, although it is still a long way away from posing a serious challenge to CPP rule. Relations between the EU and Cambodia Co-operation Agreement: An EC-Cambodia Co-operation Agreement was signed in April in 1997, entering into force on 1 November 1999. Art.1 reiterates that respect for the democratic principles and fundamental human rights are essential elements of the Agreement. Furthermore, since early 2001 Cambodia benefits from the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative, which grants duty-free and quota-free access for all exports (except arms) originating from Cambodia. Cambodia is also party to the EC-ASEAN Agreement of 1980.
Recommended publications
  • 9765 Hon. Lois Capps Hon. Bruce F. Vento Hon
    May 14, 1999 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 9765 HONORING KVEC RADIO and openly-contested free and fair elections tions. Importantly, Laos is seeking normal that will establish the right to self-determina- trade and diplomatic relations with the United HON. LOIS CAPPS tion in Laos. States and the global community. But, the pol- Despite frequent statements about its com- OF CALIFORNIA icy and conduct of the Laotian government in mitment to the enforcement of human rights IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES regards to human rights must be transparent standards in the country, the Laotian govern- prior to putting in place such political and eco- Thursday, May 13, 1999 ment’s actual practices deviate from such im- nomic policy. We owe the people of Laos the Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to portant principles. The Government may have moral obligation to remain diligent to their extend my congratulations to everyone at San learned to ‘‘talk the talk’’ and make paper human rights circumstance and plight. Luis Obispo radio station KVEC, which re- promises, but they must be held accountable f cently marked its 62nd year on the air. KVEC to ‘‘walk the walk.’’ On a daily basis, the gov- is a locally-owned and operated station fea- ernment violates the civil and political rights of HONORING AND RECOGNIZING turing local news and talk show hosts who Laotian citizens by denying them the basic SLAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFI- provide a forum of lively discussion of local freedoms of speech, assembly, and associa- CERS issues as well as interesting and useful infor- tion.
    [Show full text]
  • Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 106 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
    E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 106 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION Vol. 145 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1999 No. 162 House of Representatives The House met at 10:30 a.m. R E V I S E D N O T I C E If the 106th Congress, 1st Session, adjourns sine die on or before November 17, 1999, a final issue of the Congressional Record for the 106th Congress, 1st Session, will be published on December 2, 1999, in order to permit Members to revise and extend their remarks. All material for insertion must be signed by the Member and delivered to the respective offices of the Official Reporters of Debates (Room HT±60 or S±123 of the Capitol), Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. through December 1. The final issue will be dated December 2, 1999, and will be delivered on Friday, December 3, 1999. If the 106th Congress does not adjourn until a later date in 1999, the final issue will be printed at a date to be an- nounced. None of the material printed in the final issue of the Congressional Record may contain subject matter, or relate to any event that occurred after the sine die date. Senators' statements should also be submitted electronically, either on a disk to accompany the signed statement, or by e-mail to the Official Reporters of Debates at ``Records@Reporters''. Members of the House of Representatives' statements may also be submitted electronically by e-mail or disk, to accom- pany the signed statement, and formatted according to the instructions for the Extensions of Remarks template at http:// clerkhouse.house.gov.
    [Show full text]
  • Appendices Appendix a Department of State Report to Congress*
    Appendices Appendix A Department of State Report to Congress* INTRODUCfiON This report by the Department of State, prepared in consultation with the Department of Justice (including the Drug Enforcement Administration), the Department of the Treasury (including U.S. Customs Service), the Department of Defense, the Agency for International Development, and the Central Intelligence Agency, is submitted pursuant to Section 2013 of the Anti---Drug Abuse Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-570). This is the third semiannual report which Congress requires on official involvement in narcotics traffick­ ing by governments and senior officials; crimes in which U.S. drug enforce­ ment agents have been victims; and the issue of 'hot pursuit.' The report concerns the 24 major producing and major transit countries identified in accord with Sec. 481{h) of the Foreign Assistance Act (the Act). For purposes of this third report, the agencies consulted were asked to review earlier country-by-country findings in the INCSR and the previous 2013 report; and report appropriate changes, if any. These findings are provided in the appendix. To facilitate review of the findings in this latest report, the country summaries draw upon the 1988 INCSR for information on narcotics-related corruption in each of the 24 major countries. The report's preparation presents a number of problems to the narcotics control community, including the requirement for a separate Presidential certification process {distinct from the process established under Sec. 481(h) of the Act), the lack of any legislative history to guide interpretation and application of the language, and the requirement for disclosures of informa­ tion that the narcotics control community maintains only in investigatory and intelligence files.
    [Show full text]
  • General Assembly UNEDITED VERSION
    United Nations A/HRC/WG.6/35/L.3 General Assembly Distr.: Limited 4 February 2020 Original: English UNEDITED VERSION Human Rights Council Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review Thirty-fifth session Geneva, 20–31 January 2020 Draft report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review* Lao People’s Democratic Republic * The annex is being circulated without formal editing, in the language of submission only. GE. A/HRC/WG.6/35/L.3 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirty-fifth session from 20 to 31 January 2020. The review of Lao People’s Democratic Republic was held at the 3rd meeting, on 21 January 2020. The delegation of Lao People’s Democratic Republic was headed by the Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Chairman of the National Committee on Human Rights, H.E. Mr. Bounkeut Sangsomsak. At its 9th meeting, held on 24 January 2020, the Working Group adopted the report on Lao People’s Democratic Republic. 2. On 14 January 2020, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia and Italy. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Lao People’s Democratic Republic: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/35/LAO/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/35/LAO/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/35/LAO/3).
    [Show full text]
  • General Assembly Security Council GENERAL A/45/221 S/21254 18 April 1990
    UNITED AS NATIONS GENERAL General Assembly Security Council A/45/221 s/21254 18 April 1990 ORIGINAL: ENGLISH t_,. I. -a_ ' __,:,_ '-I ,___ ", I, GENERAL ASSEMBLY ,'.. SECURITY COUNCIL Forty-fifth session Forty-fifth year Ttems 92, 103, 109 and 113 Of the preliminary list* EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF UNITED NATIONS INSTRUMENTS ON IWMA.N RIGHTS AND EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF BODIES ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SUCH INSTRUMENTS CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PRINCIPLE OF PERIODIC AND GENUINE ELECTIONS Letter dated 13 April 1990 from the Char& d'affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations addressed to the. Secretary-General I have been instructed by my Government to draw your attention to the attached extract from Country Reports on Human Riohts Practices For 1989, published by the Department of State of the United States of America, which contains information on the situation concerning human rights in Laos. I have underlined passages of special relevance (see annex). In view of the importance of this information, I have the honour to request that the present letter and the attached extract be issued as an official document of the General Assembly, under items 92, 103, 109 and 113 of the preliminary list, and of the Security Council. (Signed) Johanan BEIN Ambassador Acting Permanent Representative * A/45/50. go-10187 1592h (E) / . A/45/221 8121254 English Page 2 ANNEX* -- - IOlSt cOtlRWSS JOIHT COMMITTEE PRIYT ?d Srssinn I COUNTRY REPORTS ON HUMAN RIGHT5 PRACTICES FOR 1989 REPORT SUB%fKTED TO THE CBMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Displacements and Hmong Transnational Politics, 1975-2010
    Dreaming of Home, Dreaming of Land: Displacements and Hmong Transnational Politics, 1975-2010 A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BY Her Vang IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Dr. Erika Lee, Advisor July 2010 © Her Vang 2010 All rights reserved ACKNOWLEDGMENTS In 1933, the Lakota author Luther Standing Bear suggested that written history was second best to oral tradition because “a people enrich their minds who keep their history on the leaves of memory.”1 For much of their history, the Hmong also stored their past not in books but on “the leaves of their memory,” and they passed down their history orally from one generation to the next. Parents in Euro-America read to their children to put them to sleep, but Hmong children traditionally fell asleep listening to their parents tell Hmong folklores and their own family history. Storytelling and history- telling were important parts of traditional Hmong culture and livelihood. A Hmong child who learned the most Hmong folklores and knew the most about the family’s history often grew up to become the leader of the family and the clan. Today, the keeper of the family’s past is still the leader of the family and the clan. A Hmong leader knows all the secrets of his family and clan, and he is responsible for resolving all disputes involving his family and clan. Despite this significance, history, I admit, has not always been my chosen field of academic inquiry. First, I previously had no strong motivation to do written history because written history, for the Hmong, was secondary to their oral tradition.
    [Show full text]
  • Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights
    Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights The Government of Laos (GoL) is implementing an extensive hydropower program to support 1 development objectives and generate revenue for economic growth. Laos has built 46 large 2 hydropower dams and expects 100 projects to be in operation by 2020. Nine dams (of a total of 3 4 11) are planned for the lower Mekong mainstream and over 120 within the lower Mekong basin by 2040. Rather than meeting local energy access needs, most large hydropower projects are developed primarily for generating power for export to neighboring countries, including 5 6 Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, in line with GoL’s stated strategy to be the ‘battery of Asia.’ While promoted as a means to support development and poverty alleviation, hydropower dams can impoverish local communities and have serious impacts on a range of human rights, including rights to life, an adequate standard of living (including rights to housing, food, and water), health, and culture. A 2010 study found that at least 76,290 people would be directly affected by six proposed Mekong mainstream dams alone, the majority of whom are ethnic 7 minorities living below the poverty line and highly dependent on the natural resource base. Rights violations due to dam construction disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including women, children and elderly people, ethnic minorities and indigenous people. Violations of economic, social and cultural rights are enabled via severe restrictions on civil and political rights in Laos, limiting affected people’s rights to information and participation in decision-making.
    [Show full text]
  • Recognition Book General Vang Pao Monument 2 GVP MONUMENT DEDICATION CEREMONY March 28, 2016
    San Joaquin County Fairground Stockton, California March 28, 2016 general vang pao monument recognition book general vang pao monument 2 GVP MONUMENT DEDICATION CEREMONY March 28, 2016 8am – 11am Guests Arrival 11am – 1pm Programs • Unveiling Remarks by LFCE President & GVP Monument Chairman • Unveiling the GVP Monument • Veterans salute GVP Monument • Candle lighting • American National Anthem • Lao National Anthem • Speech by LFCE President & GVP Monument Chairman • Speech by SJC Fairgrounds President • Speech by the Sculptor • Speech by Stockton City Official(s) • Speech by San Joaquin County Official(s) • Speech by State Official(s) • Speech by Federal Official(s) • Speech by Mr. Galen Beery • Speech by Chao Khamlouang Nokham • Speech by Thai Official(s) • Speech by Edward J. Szendrey • Speech by Colonel Vang Thai • Speech by President Nom Tshuas Vwj • Speech by President/Sponsor Pobtsuas Thoj • Speech by Sponsor Michael Thao • Speech by Mr. Wachong Vang son of GVP • Song of GVP - “Kuv Haiv Hmoob” • Closing Remarks by LFCE CEO/GVP Monument Vice Chair/MC 1pm – 4pm Programs • Thank you/Recognition by LFCE CEO/GVP Monument Vice Chairman • GVP Video Documentary • Announcement of Hmong Grave Desecration Committee • Late Lunch • Closing Remarks by Chong Blia Neng Lo/Board Member general vang pao monument 3 the general vang pao monument By Dr. Cheuyengther Xiong ecause of General Vang Pao’s leadership during the BVietnam War, the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds Board of Directors have provided a space at the Fairgrounds for Lao Family Community Empowerment and the Hmong community to build a monument to honor him and to remember the sacrifice that the Laotian people, mostly the Hmong, made during the War.
    [Show full text]
  • Supplemental Statement Washington, DC 20530 Pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of .'• 1938, As Amended
    L 0MB NO. 1124-0002; Expires February 28, 2014 . ' u.s. Department of justice Supplemental Statement Washington, DC 20530 Pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of .'• 1938, as amended For Six Month Period Ending March 31,2013 (Insert date) I-REGISTRANT 1. (a) Name of Registrant (b) Registration No. ULCPFR 5Hp (j? 130 (c) Business Address(es) of Registrant UPCPFR ' " P.O. Box 232738 Sacremento, CA. 95823 2. Has there been a change in the information previously furnished in connection with the following? __• -____- (a) If an individual: -_. m (1) Residenceaddress(es) YesD NoD . <—-'" (2) Citizenship Yes D No D CD ;Jf; (3) Occupation Yes • No D ;c_. (b) If an organization: _ ^ '-..:. (1) Name Yes • No 0 CD : (2) Ownership or control Yes • No S . — * . (3) Branch offices Yes H NoD (c) Explain fully all changes, if any, indicated in Items (a)'and (b) above. Change of European Chairman, Gen. Khamkhong Phoutthavong has stepped down to continue to serve as advisor. The new European ULCPFR Chaiman is - Tiao Phouangsavath, a former Royal Lao Official to the United Nations. IF THE REGISTRANT IS AN INDIVIDUAL, OMIT RESPONSE TO ITEMS 3, 4, AND 5(a). 3. If you have previously filed Exhibit C1, state whether any changes therein have occurred during this 6 month reporting period. Yes • No __ Ifyes, have you filed an amendment to the Exhibit C? Yes • NoD If no, please attach the required amendment. 1 The Exhibit C, for which no printed form is provided, consists ofa true copy ofthe charter, articles of incorporation, association, and by laws of a registrant that is an organization.
    [Show full text]
  • Ngos) on Primary Education Policy in Laos
    The Influence of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on Primary Education Policy in Laos By Oulath Saengouthay A thesis submitted to Victoria University of Wellington in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Development Studies School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences Victoria University of Wellington 2015 Abstract Laos is a poor and aid-dependent country in South-East Asia. Its primary education development has depended heavily on external assistance, which has caused some scholars to argue that education policy is shaped by this influence. While major donors have played a significant role in driving Lao primary education development, NGOs are increasingly engaging in the process since Laos has adopted global commitments, particularly the Education for All goals of the Millennium Development Goals. While the Government of Laos values NGOs’ contributions as equally to those of major donors, it commonly views NGOs as ‘service providers’ and major donors as ‘policy counterparts’. The government is wary of NGOs’ mission and this has also shaped NGOs’ space in the policy arena. This thesis has examined the extent to which NGOs have influenced Lao primary education policy since the adoption of the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness in 2006. This research draws on a social constructivist epistemology, and data collection employed qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews, analysis of relevant policy documents, and participant observation. The interviews involved 24 participants representing government agencies, NGOs, donor organisations and education specialists. The main focus of interviews was to explore the degree of NGOs’ influence on primary education policy, the mechanisms and strategies that NGOs use to exercise their influence, and how such mechanisms and strategies have impacted on their role at policy level.
    [Show full text]
  • ADL Report About Political Rights in the Lao PDR
    Letmather Str.71, 58119 Hagen, Germany. Tel & Fax: 0049( 2334) 44 44 668, E-Mail: [email protected] www.laoalliance.org ADL report about Political rights in the Lao PDR Article 1: The political and civil rights in Laos are severely limited by the pronounced control by Vietnam. The Lao Vietnamese Friendship Treaty of 18.07.1977, which was then closed for 25 years and renewed every 10 years, guarantees Vietnam control over the Lao People's Republic. Key officials in Laos continue to be occupied by Vietnamese, and Vietnamese advisers and superiors are still present in Laos, with an increasing trend. This also continues in the political offices. Equally progressive is the yield of natural resources by Vietnam. The control has also been very clear in recent times. So should now be renamed the traditional city Savannakhet with 120,000 inhabitants in Kaysone Phomvihane city. This was announced on 25.05.2018 in an official ceremony. Kaysone was a long-time companion of Ho Chi Minh and was considered a proponent of the Vietnamese occupation of Laos. Ho Chi Minh's statues are now appearing in several cities in the country. http://en.dangcongsan.vn/foreign-affairs/ho-chi-minh-city-s-delegation-visits-uncle-ho- commemorative-site-in-laos-471452.html https://www.rfa.org/english/news/laos/statue-10162014150403.html The institutions in Laos are against the principle and spirit of the Convention on Political Rights. According to the Laos Constitution in Art.3, the Lao Revolutionary People's Party has the core leadership across the country.
    [Show full text]
  • Document S/Secret Lives Other Voices Research-Rep Ort33.Pdf
    Nos. 18-587, 18-588, 18-589 IN THE Supreme Court of the United States ———— DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, et al., Petitioners, v. REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, Respondents. ———— DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, et al., Petitioners, v. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE, et al., Respondents. ———— KEVIN K. MCALEENAN, ACTING SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY, et al., Petitioners, v. MARTIN JONATHAN BATALLA VIDAL, et al., Respondents. ———— On Writs of Certiorari to the United States Courts of Appeals for the Ninth, District of Columbia, and Second Circuits ———— BRIEF OF THE NATIONAL QUEER ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER ALLIANCE AND OTHERS AS AMICI CURIAE IN SUPPORT OF RESPONDENTS ———— GLENN D. MAGPANTAY SUSAN M. FINEGAN Executive Director Counsel of Record and Counsel MEREDITH M. LEARY NATIONAL QUEER ASIAN KAITLYN A. CROWE PACIFIC ISLANDER ANGEL FENG ALLIANCE, INC. GEOFFREY A. FRIEDMAN P.O. Box 1277 RITHIKA KULATHILA Old Chelsea Station MARGUERITE MCCONIHE New York, NY 10113 MINTZ, LEVIN, COHN, FERRIS, GLOVSKY 217 West 18th Street, #1277 AND POPEO, P.C. New York, NY 10011 One Financial Center (917) 439-3158 Boston, MA 02111 (617) 542-6000 [email protected] Counsel for Amici Curiae WILSON-EPES PRINTING CO., INC. – (202) 789-0096 – WASHINGTON, D. C. 20002 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page TABLE OF AUTHORITIES ................................ ii INTEREST OF AMICI CURIAE ........................ 1 SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT ............................. 3 ARGUMENT ........................................................ 5 I. LGBTQ API DACA recipients will face criminal penalties, imprisonment, dis- crimination, and violence (including death) if they are removed to their countries of birth ........................................................... 5 II. The tens of thousands of LGBTQ DACA recipients, especially those who pub- lically identified themselves as such, will be at increased risk for discrimination and mistreatment if DACA is rescinded ..
    [Show full text]