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“VIETNAM HUMAN RIGHTS DAY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1173 on May 14, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
VIETNAM HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
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HON. ZOE LOFGREN
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Vietnam Human Rights Day and to recognize the daily struggle for freedom in Vietnam.
Fifteen years ago, Congress designated May 11th as Vietnam Human Rights Day, recognizing the plight of the people of Vietnam under the repression of their communist government. I am sad to say that these conditions persist to this day.
Just last week, Vietnam's human rights record was examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council, under the Universal Periodic Review. As part of this proceeding, numerous non-governmental organizations reported a wide range of serious abuses.
Journalists, dissidents, and whistleblowers are imprisoned merely for questioning government policies in public or calling attention to corruption or other wrongdoing. Citizens are arrested, detained, and imprisoned without due process of law. Independent political parties and labor unions are banned. In all of this, the Vietnamese government scorns the rule of law, violating its international human rights obligations and, often, its own constitution.
Abuses of religious freedom are also a serious problem. In its Annual Report for 2009, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has again called for Vietnam to be designated as a Country of Particular Concern by the State Department. I commend the Commission for making this recommendation, and urge the State Department to follow its advice.
The United States granted Vietnam Permanent Normal Trade Relations in 2006. Since then, its already abysmal human rights record has gotten even worse. Once the Vietnamese government got the trade agreement that it wanted, it felt free to escalate its repression.
It is time for the United States to consider how it can use its considerable leverage to assist those who are striving for human rights and democracy in Vietnam. I rise to honor their efforts and sacrifices.
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