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Persecution in Vietnam
Posted October 12, 2004
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.
Sukalaya Kenworthy is author of "Hmong Means Free" and a volunteer for
Vietnam coverage at International Christian Concern, a human rights
organization based in Washington, D.C.. |
