LAOS: Dam construction continues with no consultation

The authoritarian government of one-party-state Laos brooks little criticism over its programme of dam development, backed by China, as it seeks to exploit its position on the Mekong river to sell electricity to neighbouring countries.

In May it was reported that yet another huge dam project was under way, without the community affected being consulted. Amidst a climate of fear and censorship, people in Laos have next to no spaces available to express their concerns. Those who took part in a rare online protest in October had to be very brave.