Vietnam’s Ongoing Repression of Khmer Krom Indigenous Peoples and Theravada Buddhist Monks Sparks UN Concern

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the ongoing repression of Khmer Krom indigenous peoples and Theravada Buddhist monks in Vietnam. Despite Vietnam’s commitments to human rights and freedom of religion, the country continues to restrict the rights of these groups. The Khmer Krom people, who are indigenous to the Mekong Delta region, have faced decades of marginalization and exclusion from decision-making processes. They have also been subject to forced assimilation policies, which have eroded their cultural identity and language. Theravada Buddhist monks, who are predominantly from the Khmer Krom community, have been targeted by the Vietnamese authorities for their peaceful advocacy of human rights and freedom of religion. The monks have been subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, and imprisonment, as well as restrictions on their freedom of movement and assembly. The UN experts have highlighted the cases of several prominent Theravada Buddhist monks who have been imprisoned for their peaceful activities, including the Venerable Thach Thuol, who was sentenced to 6 years in prison for ‘conducting anti-state propaganda’. The experts have also expressed concern over the restrictions on the freedom of expression and assembly of the Khmer Krom people, who have been prohibited from organizing peaceful protests and demonstrations. The Vietnamese authorities have also imposed strict controls on the internet and social media, restricting the ability of the Khmer Krom people to access information and communicate with each other. The UN experts have called on the Vietnamese government to take immediate action to address these human rights abuses and to respect the rights of the Khmer Krom indigenous peoples and Theravada Buddhist monks. They have also urged the government to release all imprisoned monks and activists and to ensure that they are not subjected to torture or other forms of ill-treatment. The experts have emphasized the importance of protecting the cultural identity and language of the Khmer Krom people and of ensuring that they are able to participate fully in decision-making processes. They have also highlighted the need for the Vietnamese government to respect the freedom of religion and expression of all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. The situation of the Khmer Krom indigenous peoples and Theravada Buddhist monks in Vietnam is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention from the international community. The UN experts have urged all stakeholders to take action to support the human rights of these groups and to promote a peaceful and inclusive solution to the conflicts in the region. The Vietnamese government must take responsibility for addressing the human rights abuses and restrictions on freedom of religion and expression that have been perpetrated against the Khmer Krom indigenous peoples and Theravada Buddhist monks. The international community must also play a role in promoting human rights and freedom of religion in Vietnam, and in supporting the peaceful advocacy of the Khmer Krom people and Theravada Buddhist monks. The UN experts have emphasized the importance of a peaceful and inclusive solution to the conflicts in the region, and have urged all parties to engage in dialogue and to work towards a resolution that respects the human rights and dignity of all individuals. The situation of the Khmer Krom indigenous peoples and Theravada Buddhist monks in Vietnam is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and nuanced approach. The UN experts have highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into the human rights abuses and restrictions on freedom of religion and expression that have been perpetrated against these groups. They have also emphasized the importance of providing support and protection to the Khmer Krom people and Theravada Buddhist monks, and of promoting their participation in decision-making processes. The Vietnamese government must take immediate action to address the human rights abuses and restrictions on freedom of religion and expression that have been perpetrated against the Khmer Krom indigenous peoples and Theravada Buddhist monks. The international community must also play a role in promoting human rights and freedom of religion in Vietnam, and in supporting the peaceful advocacy of the Khmer Krom people and Theravada Buddhist monks.

Source