[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    VIETNAM HUMAN RIGHTS ACT OF 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 14, 2004

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss current 
legislation H.R. 1587. I support this bill which would hold the 
government of Viet Nam responsible for any past and present abuses of 
human rights. This valuable piece of legislation, if passed, would 
prohibit non-humanitarian assistance to the government of Viet Nam 
unless the government in that country certified to the President of the 
United States that the government of Viet Nam has made significant 
advances toward freedom of political, religious, social, and cultural 
expression.
  This bill would also mandate that the Secretary of State report 
annually on the state of affairs in Viet Nam and that the United States 
provide assistance through the appropriate nongovernmental 
organizations for the promotion of human rights and non-violent change 
in Viet Nam.
  Such actions would help restore a level of peace that has long been 
absent from the country of Viet Nam. Right now Vietnamese citizens are 
living under a repressive regime. They are not afforded the basic human 
rights to worship however they choose, speak whatever they feel, write 
whatever they desire, and associate with whomever they wish. Many are 
being unfairly arrested and tried, and are being forced to serve 
lengthy prison sentences.
  There is evidence of under-aged youths serving in the armed forces. 
There is also evidence that there is widespread torture, 
excommunication, and murder of those who choose to worship in non-
state-approved religious organizations. Opposing political views also 
merit the same consequences. Mr. Chairman, Viet Nam is acting 
shamefully.
  Father Thadeus Nguyen Van Ly knows the horror of the repressive 
Vietnamese government. On May 17, 2001, this 55-year-old priest was 
arrested at church for his non-violent political and religious views. 
Prior arrests, for similar reasons, date back to 1977 and attest to the 
government of Viet Nam's longstanding history as a violator of basic 
human rights. Having spent more than a decade imprisoned for standing 
up for his beliefs, Father Van Ly was named a prisoner of conscience by 
Amnesty International.
  International attention is essential but not sufficient for restoring 
the people of Viet Nam their basic rights and liberties. There needs to 
be more humanitarian monitoring. To accomplish this there must be 
increased security in mainland and inland areas to allow for the safe 
journey of human aid and humanitarian workers. There is also a need for 
improved relations between Viet Nam and its neighbors. Requiring the 
Secretary of State to write an annual report would provide the United 
States and the international community with a greater understanding of 
the state of affairs in Viet Nam. Most importantly, Viet Nam must 
provide its citizens with basic human rights.
  Mr. Speaker, for the reasons stated above I strongly support this 
bill and its potential to drastically improve the life expectations of 
those living in Viet Nam. The lives of many like Father Van Ly hinge on 
the passage of the bill. Prohibiting the provision of non-humanitarian 
assistance to the government of Viet Nam will apply the right amount of 
pressure to the Government of Viet Nam and send a loud and clear 
message that the repression and abuse of human dignity must carry on no 
longer.

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