Written question asked by Bishop of St Albans (Bishops (affiliation)) on Monday, 10 February 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 2025. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 February 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Sombath Somphone

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to counterparts in Laos regarding the fate of civil society activist Sombath Somphone.

Answer: We remain very concerned as to the whereabouts of Mr Sombath Somphone. The UK regularly raises the disappearance of Sombath Somphone bilaterally and through the UN Human Rights Council. Most recently, on 15 December 2024 our Embassy in Laos publicly raised the disappearance and continued to push for a thorough and impartial investigation into this case. We intend to continue to raise the case at the highest levels and to continue to stay engaged with Sombath's family who are still based in Laos.

Secondary information