[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 57 (Thursday, May 11, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H2507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        VIETNAM HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

  (Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
highlight the ongoing struggle for freedom and democracy in Vietnam. As 
we observe Vietnam Human Rights Day, it is clear that the struggle is 
far from over.
  The most basic freedoms we enjoy, the freedom of speech, the freedom 
of the press, the freedom of assembly, the freedom of religion, these 
are not available in Vietnam.
  Last month, 116 Vietnamese citizens signed an ``Appeal For Freedom of 
Political Association,'' and 118 citizens signed a Manifesto on 
Democracy and Freedom For Vietnam.
  But the government crackdown began almost immediately with raids, 
detainments, harassment, and abuse. Those who signed these documents 
placed themselves and their families and their friends at a great risk 
for a greater good.
  What a compelling reminder that while the freedoms we enjoy are not 
universal, the thirst for freedom most certainly is.
  I urge my colleagues to speak out on behalf of these brave men and 
women who continue to fight for the very basic human liberty through 
peaceful and nonviolent methods.

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