Vietnam: Continuing Abuse of Human Rights and Religious Freedom
Hearing Notice
Please join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a hearing on the status of human rights in Vietnam.
At a time when security and economic interests are driving the United States and Vietnam to strengthen relations in many areas, Vietnam continues to abuse the human rights and religious freedom of its own citizens. The Vietnamese government has increasingly used vague national security laws to target peaceful pro-democracy and religious activists as well as human rights lawyers and citizen journalists who dare to expose the government’s violations of basic freedoms. Just last month, an American citizen, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Quan – a pro-democracy activist – was arrested upon arrival in Vietnam and accused of terrorism. In addition, while the Vietnamese Constitution provides for freedom of religion, activities of religious organizations are strictly regulated and disputes have been growing in recent years over the seizure of church and temple land by local governments.
This hearing will explore the challenges faced by democracy activists and religious organizations in Vietnam.
If you have any questions, please contact the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission at 202-225-3599 or tlhrc@mail.house.gov.
Hosted by:
Member of Congress
Co-Chair, TLHRC
Member of Congress
Co-Chair, TLHRC
Witnesses
Panel I
-
Michael H. Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
Written testimony
Panel II
-
Dr. Robert George, Commissioner, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
Written testimony
Panel III
-
Vo Van Ai, Founder and President of Quê Me: Action for Democracy in Vietnam
Written testimony -
Mai Huong Ngo, wife of imprisoned Vietnamese-American Dr. Nguyen Quoc Quan
Written testimony -
Phu Do Nguyen, Vice President, Saigon Broadcasting Television Network (SBTN)
Written testimony