Summary
My name is Ng Shui Meng. I am the wife of Sombath Somphone who is a prominent community development leader in Laos. Sombath was last seen being stopped by police at a police post in Vientiane on 15 December 2012. The Lao Government said he could have been kidnapped, but now, nearly 2 months later, there is no progress on the case.
My husband is one of the most respected community development and education leaders in Laos and has spent the last 30 years working with Lao communities to improve their livelihoods and educate their children and young people.
This campaign is to raise funds to take all necessary actions to find my husband.
What will we do with the money we raise?
Your contribution will help pay for:
- thorough and proper investigation of the case
- negotiation for Sombath’s return
- maintaining media attention (including printing campaign materials)
- rewards for information
- communication and organizational support
Any funds not spent after the return of Sombath will go towards his organization’s education and youth development projects.
Your contribution, large or small, will be greatly appreciated and I hope will ensure his safe return to me and his family as soon as possible. Please note you can donate anonymously if you wish. Your name and/or how much you contribute can be hidden if you select this option when you donate.
What is the impact of the campaign?
After two months with no results from the Lao government’s investigation, our efforts (with your help) might just be what’s necessary: to put pressure on those involved to release Sombath, to ensure the immediate and thorough investigation that we’d expect for ourselves and to bring him home.
What is the impact of Sombath's home-coming?
In the first instance, Sombath’s safe return would provide relief from extreme anxiety for his family and the hundreds of community workers and young volunteers who have been supporting his endeavors.
Secondly, his return would restore faith that human rights and freedom of speech can prevail in Laos. A full and transparent investigation would give the rest of the world confidence that Laos is a safe place to travel to, do business with and to support.
Sombath Somphone is one of Lao’s most respected leaders of change and champion for ordinary Lao people. The contribution that he makes to his country is enormous, too big for us to cover here. Visit the websites below and you will start to understand.
Other Ways You Can Help
A really important part of our campaign is keeping Sombath’s story in the media and in people’s minds. You can support us by reading and sharing stories about his disappearance, his work and international media reports updating the case.
www.sombath.org
is the official and accurate site for information on finding Sombath Somphone. Please be wary of rumors and misinformation out there.
Are you a seasoned Indiegogo user wondering where the perks are?
In this case, we feel perks are not appropriate. The biggest perk for all of us involved will be the safe return of Sombath.
