165 Western Avenue N,
#17
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 224-9191/(651)
224-3056/fax
For Immediate Release Joshua Straka
November 6,
2003
(651)
224-9191
McCollum Continues Pressure for Progress on Human Rights in Laos
McCollum Co-Sponsors Bill Calling for Democratic Reform and Liberties
Washington, DC- Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) announced today that she is cosponsoring a House resolution that calls for reform of human rights and religious freedom by the Lao government. H.Res 402 expresses the sense of Congress that there is urgent need for freedom, democratic reform, and international monitoring of elections, human rights, and religious liberty in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
"The Lao government has a poor record on human rights and liberties, and they must take steps to improve," said McCollum. "The United States and the international community have a vital interest in the worldwide promotion of democratic principles and respect for human rights, and we must support democratic reforms in Laos. Greater engagement with Laos will provide the pressure necessary for these reforms."
In addition, McCollum is sponsor of legislation (HR 3195) to extend Normal Trade Relations (NTR) to Laos, which directly addresses the ongoing need for the Lao government to make improvements in human rights:
Sect. 1, (6): "The United States is committed to a multi-faceted engagement with the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the people of Laos by continuing to monitor, promote, and encourage further progress by the Lao People's Democratic Republic on human rights, religious tolerance, democratic rule of law, and transparency, and assist that country in adopting regional and world trading rules and principles, as well as international labor standards."
"I am committed to using this legislation to improve both human rights and the quality of life for all people of Laos," said McCollum. "Thirty years of isolation has failed all the people of Laos, but especially the children. One in ten Lao children dies before his or her fifth birthday, because of extreme poverty and malnutrition."
Laos is one of the ten poorest countries in the world, and the only nation in the world that has full diplomatic relations with the U.S., but not normal trade relations. Nearly one thousand Hmong and Lao Minnesotans have contacted McCollum's office calling on her to support economic engagement with Laos.
Secretary of State Colin L. Powell sent a letter to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee in February stating, "The Administration believes that extending NTR to Laos will create a more cooperative atmosphere and opportunities that will help open the society and leverage our efforts to improve human rights, religious freedom and the rule of law in Laos."
###
________________________________________________
Joshua
Straka
District Director
& Director of Communications
Office of Congresswoman Betty McCollum
(MN-04)
165 Western Avenue North, Suite 17
Saint Paul, MN
55102
p: 651.224.9191; f: 651.224.3056