Three years ago yesterday, land rights activist Sombath Somphone was abducted from a police checkpoint in Vientiane, Laos. The United States remains deeply concerned over his fate and the chilling message his abduction sends to members of civil society and the people of Laos more broadly.

We are troubled by the fact that no progress has been made in locating Mr. Somphone and call on the Lao Government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation. The government should take measures to resolve this case immediately.

Our thoughts are with Mr. Somphone’s family, friends, and so many others who have benefitted from his leadership.