Human Rights Watch Urges UN to Pressure Vietnam on Human Rights Ahead of Review

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the United Nations to pressure Vietnam to improve its human rights record during the upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the country's rights situation at the UN Human Rights Council. The UPR of Vietnam's human rights record is scheduled to take place on May 7, 2024.

In its submission to the UN, HRW said member countries should use the UPR to press the Vietnamese government to end its crackdown on dissent and other fundamental rights. The organization highlighted the worsening human rights situation in Vietnam since the last review in 2019, including the imprisonment of over 160 people for criticizing the government, lack of media freedom, and the use of intrusive internet surveillance.

HRW also documented the authorities' use of "mobile trials" to shame and convict rights activists, as well as restrictions on religious freedom, with unrecognized religious groups facing constant harassment and abuse. The report specifically mentioned the case of the Evangelical Church of Christ of the Western Highlands (ECCWH), whose members have faced persecution by Vietnamese authorities.

The ECCWH and other churches have petitioned the government for a full investigation into the murder of church member Y Bum Bya and the harsh 13-year sentence given to pastor Y Krec Bya on charges of "destroying the great national unity." The U.S. has placed Vietnam on its Special Watch List of religious liberty violators for the past two years.

Why this matters: Vietnam's ongoing human rights abuses and suppression of dissent have drawn international condemnation. The upcoming UN review provides an opportunity for the global community to hold Vietnam accountable and push for meaningful reforms to protect the rights of its citizens.

Human Rights Watch has urged UN member states to demand genuine reforms from the Vietnamese government and ensure that any promised changes are actually implemented. "UN member states should use the Universal Periodic Review to press the Vietnamese government to end its crackdown on dissent and other fundamental rights," said HRW in its submission to the UN.

Key Takeaways

• HRW calls on UN to pressure Vietnam to improve human rights record in 2024 UPR review.
• HRW cites imprisonment of over 160 critics, lack of media freedom, and internet surveillance.
• HRW documents authorities' use of "mobile trials" to shame and convict rights activists.
• ECCWH church members face persecution, with a member murdered and pastor sentenced to 13 years.
• UN review provides opportunity to hold Vietnam accountable and push for rights reforms.