[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        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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