Lao People's Democratic Republic: The draft constitution and human rights

This document examines provisions of the draft constitution of Laos which cover areas of concern to Amnesty International (AI). AI's recommendations on amendments to the draft constitution concern the protection of the right to life and the abolition of the death penalty; safeguards guaranteeing the inalienability of fundamental rights; the prohibition of torture; safeguards against arbitrary arrest and detention; safeguards for people deprived of their liberty; provisions for fair trial; safeguards for the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and association and on the independence of the judiciary. An appendix provides an unofficial translation of the draft constitution.