On December 23, a group of special rapporteurs called for international support to investigate the enforced disappearance of a human rights defender, Sombath Somphone, in Laos two years ago.
Mr. Somphone was working on issues of land confiscation when he was disappeared. The independent experts "urge the authorities to release more information about the progress of investigation, especially to his family,” and "strongly recommend that an international team of experts work jointly with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to fulfil its legal obligations.” More information can be found here.