ASEAN Regional Coalition to #StopDigitalDictatorship
Every person in this generation doesn’t believe in
the government. They want to leave Laos, they
don’t believe anything the government says. Most
of my friends have the same thoughts, but we only
talk about it privately. If you say bad things about
them in public, I don’t know what will happen.44
–Jo, a 22-year-old Lao Youth
The economic uncertainty and restricted freedoms have
society and citizen engagement. Since then, the
driven Lao youth abroad, particularly to neighbouring
climate of fear has only intensified, stifling free
Thailand, seeing little hope and limited free speech
expression and dissent.45 The absence of recognition
in Lao PDR (Laos).43 This talent drain compounds
for human rights defenders further undermines efforts
the nation’s challenges, hindering its development.
to establish a legal framework supporting their vital
work. Instead, HRDs are viewed as ‘enemies’ by the
The Lack of Independent and Free Civil
Society inside Lao PDR (Laos): selfcensoring by fear of reprisals
State, impeding the growth of an independent civil
The rise of digital dictatorship and economic
2009 Decree, which significantly heightens scrutiny
uncertainty in Lao PDR (Laos) has exacerbated an
over civil society organisations (CSOs). The decree
already restricted civic space, dating back to the
grants authorities broad powers to obstruct NPA
enforced disappearance of Sombath Somphone in
formation, criminalise human rights organisations,
December 2012. Sombath, a prominent development
restrict activities, limit foreign funding, and dissolve
activist and founder of the Participatory Development
groups at will, with no avenue for appeal. Consequently,
Training Centre (PADETC), vanished under suspicious
civil society operates under constant fear of reprisals
circumstances, casting a chilling shadow over civil
and stringent limitations.47
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society.46 This control is further reinforced through
the Decree No. 238 on Non-profit Associations (NPAs)
adopted in November 2017, replacing the previous
Dawn of Digital Dictatorship: Weaponizing the Law Against Online Speech in Southeast Asia