Overview

Human rights defenders were under heightened attack both at home and abroad, targeted in a pattern of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance and killings. Two Chinese dissidents were deported from Laos to China, where they faced threats of torture and other ill-treatment and unfair trials due to their activism. The government intensified its efforts to crack down on online criticism. Government and private sector investment in developing hydropower facilities continued to expand, despite concerns about the environmental, social and economic impacts.