Persecution
in Vietnam
By Sukalaya Kenworthy
The recent designation of Vietnam by the U.S. State Department as a
"country of particular concern" under the International Religious
Freedom Act should serve as a wake-up call to the American public.
Vietnam is among the worst human rights abusers on earth along
with China and Sudan. Numerous reports of severe persecutions on
Christians, Buddhists and followers of other faiths are alarming and
deserve our immediate attention.
Ironically, since the U.S. granted normal trade relations status to
Vietnam in 2001, Vietnam's record of human rights violations has
spiraled. House-church Christians have been arrested for practicing
their faith. Gatherings to worship and witnessing are a crime in
Vietnam.
The Communist Party of Vietnam confiscated bibles, books, houses,
and lands, and closed hundreds of churches, leaving only two
closely-monitored denominations open as a front to convince the
diplomats and foreign media that there is "freedom" in Vietnam. In
the meantime, Vietnamese clergy and laymen are imprisoned with false
charges.
Extreme tortures such as injecting with lethal drugs, beating to the
point of death, and electric shocks are frequently used. Starvation,
brainwashing and strenuous labor are all too common in these
so-called "reeducation camps".
Hanoi especially targets tribal minorities such as the Montagnards
who live in the Central Highlands. The Montagnard Christians are
persistently forced to sign agreements to recant their faith.
Because of the harsh persecution and their desire to worship freely
and just live a normal life, these believers gathered for a prayer
vigil during Easter weekend in April 2004.
Tragically, the peaceful demonstration in Daklak was received with a
bloody crackdown from the government. Armed troops attacked and
murdered hundreds of Montagnards. Some fled and still hid in the
jungle near Cambodia borders, knowing well that if they are
taken back to Vietnam, they will face either prison or deaths.
As if adding salt to the wound, Vietnam recently issued a new
religious ordinance effective in November 15. There is, however,
nothing "new" about the hostile attitude of the Vietnam government
toward faiths.
According to this regulation, registered groups will need specific
permission to conduct religious activities in designated buildings
approved by the government. The state is entitled to ban and monitor
any beliefs, and prisoners are not allowed to practice their faith.
The atrocities committed by Vietnam should be condemned, not
rewarded. We should not give Vietnam the same trading privileges as
free countries unless we see significant progress in human rights.
Write to your Senators to show your support for the Vietnam Human
Rights Act of 2004. Vietnamese oppressors need to know that we will
not tolerate evil.
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