[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 107 (Thursday, June 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1383-E1384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN VIETNAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2008

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, Respect for human rights and 
individual freedom is an important element of American foreign policy. 
Therefore, it must be the goal of the United States government to work 
towards enhancing human rights conditions, individual liberty and 
religious freedom in Vietnam. Moral imperatives such as freedom and 
individual rights are exceedingly important in establishing a mutually 
beneficial diplomatic relationship.
  The current human rights situation in Vietnam is unacceptable. I am 
greatly concerned about state sanctioned oppression that has left 
numerous Vietnamese citizens helpless in the face of a government that 
has chosen to exercise repressive rule over a population that seeks 
individual, political and religious freedom. There are numerous 
religious and political prisoners imprisoned in Vietnam. Political 
prisoners are placed in conditions that are unacceptable. The 
international community should not sit idly by and allow this behavior 
to continue without condemnation.
  In Vietnam, according to Human Rights Watch, ``2007 was characterized 
by the harshest crackdown on peaceful dissent in 20 years.'' 
Additionally, since gaining membership in the WorId Trade Organization, 
it has been reported that Vietnam moved to suppress all challenges to 
the Vietnamese Communist Party (VCP) by arresting dozens of democracy 
and human rights activists, independent trade union leaders, 
underground publishers, and members of unsanctioned religious groups.
  The government of Vietnam should not be rewarded by the United States 
government and the international community for stifling the

[[Page E1384]]

freedom of the press, arresting dissidents, and labeling religious 
activity as subversive. We need a bilateral relationship with Vietnam 
that enhances individual freedom, democracy, and freedom of speech. I 
will continue to work in Congress to help promote democracy and end 
oppression in Vietnam.

                          ____________________