• Vietnam’s human rights record remains weak in many areas. The government suppresses virtually all forms of political dissent, using a broad array of repressive measures. Freedom of expression, association, and public assembly are tightly controlled. Religious activists are harassed, intimidated, and imprisoned. State-run drug rehabilitation centers exploit detainees as forced laborers making goods for local markets and export. The criminal justice system lacks independence and operates under the direction of the government and party. 

    Available in Tiếng Việt >>
  • Police detained Nguyen Tri Dung and his mother to prevent them from attending the trial of three prominent bloggers, including his father Nguyen Van Hai on September 24, 2012. After the court sentenced the bloggers, police stripped Dung's t-shirt which featured the slogan: Freedom for Patriots.
    The Vietnamese government should use the opportunity of the upcoming US-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue to release political prisoners and make commitments to end the persecution of bloggers, land rights activists, and other peaceful critics.

Reports

Vietnam

  • Apr 11, 2013
    First, let me thank the committee for inviting me to testify. The committee is to be commended for its repeated efforts to draw the world’s attention to Vietnam’s human rights record.
  • Apr 9, 2013
    The Vietnamese government should use the opportunity of the upcoming US-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue to release political prisoners and make commitments to end the persecution of bloggers, land rights activists, and other peaceful critics.
  • Mar 3, 2013
    A United Nations report about torture and other abuses in healthcare settings points to the need for donors to withdraw funds to compulsory drug detention centers, Human Rights Watch and Harm Reduction International said today.
  • Feb 1, 2013
    The Vietnamese government is systematically suppressing freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, and persecuting those who question government policies, expose official corruption, or call for democratic alternatives to one-party rule, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2013.
  • Jan 9, 2013
    The conviction and prison sentences of 14 activists by the People’s Court of Nghe An province on January ­­­9, 2012, marks a sharp escalation of government attacks on critics
  • Dec 20, 2012
    Five Vietnamese bloggers are among an extraordinary group of 41 people from 19 countries who have received the prestigious Hellman/Hammett award recognizing writers who demonstrate courage and conviction in the face of political persecution.
  • Nov 19, 2012
    Disregarding the deep concerns expressed by senior United Nations officials, human rights experts and hundreds of civil society and grassroots organisations at the national, regional and international levels, ASEAN leaders nonetheless adopted yesterday an “ASEAN Human Rights Declaration” that undermines, rather than affirms, international human rights law and standards.
  • Nov 7, 2012
  • Oct 29, 2012
    European Union President Herman Van Rompuy should publicly press Vietnam to release all political prisoners and detainees, respect freedom of religion, and abolish forced labor in drug detention centers during his visit from October 31 to November 2, 2012.
  • Sep 20, 2012

    Vietnamese authorities should drop all charges against three prominent bloggers and immediately release them