The 2006 Declaration on Democracy and Freedom for Vietnam by 118 Democracy Fighters inside Vietnam

Vietnam 8 April 2006

To the Vietnamese people both inside and outside of Vietnam,

We, the undersigned, on behalf of hundreds of democracy fighters inside the country and of all citizens aspiring for legitimate democracy for our native Vietnam today, make this unanimous declaration:

I. The state of the Vietnamese nation:

  1. During the August 1945 Revolution, our whole people's choice was national independence, not socialism. The declaration of independence of 2 September 1945 did not include one word on socialism or communism. The two reasons for victory during that revolution were the thirst for national independence and the power vacuum at that time in Vietnam (Japanese forces had surrendered to the Allies on 15 August 1945 and French Colonists had been overthrown by the Japanese forces since 9 March 1945).

It is clear that the objectives of the revolution were hijacked by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). And it follows naturally that the right of national self-determination was also eliminated. There were at least two historic opportunities, one in 1954 in the North, and one in 1975 over the entire nation, for our people to affirm their right for self-determination. But all to no avail due to treachery by the CPV. The reason being that once a dictatorship of the proletariat has been established, in accordance with Lenin, its first obligation is oppression by violence and terror!

  2. Then on 2 September 1945 in Hanoi, Mr. Ho Chi Minh, provisional chairman of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam solemnly declared to the nation and the world that: "All men are created equal. They are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." These memorable words come from the 1776 Declaration of Independence of the USA. An extrapolation of the above words leads to the conclusion that: all peoples of the world are created equal. Each is entitled to life, happiness and freedom. The Declaration on human and civil rights of the French 1791 Revolution also states that:" All people are born free and have equal rights and must remain free and equal in all rights." This is a logic that no one can deny. (Excerpts from the 2 September 1945 Declaration of Independence.)

But all these divine rights of the nation were brutally crushed as soon as a Communist regime was installed.

  3. On February 1951, the Declaration by the Vietnamese Labor Party (now the CPV), at its 2nd Congress, states:" The Party's ideology is Marxism-Leninism". And in its rules, on the parts relative to Objectives and Guidelines, it is even more clearly stated that:" The Labor Party of Vietnam adopts the doctrines of Marxism, Engels, Leninism, Stalinism and the thoughts of Mao Tse-Tung, together with the realities of the revolution in Vietnam, as the foundations for its thoughts and the compass for all actions by the Party".

Since that time, particularly in the North after 1954, then in the whole country after 30 April 1975, the Specter of Communism has weighed heavily on the fate of the Vietnamese people. It was this specter and nothing else that robbed the Vietnamese people of all their human rights. Today, it still temporarily dominates, and occupies both the spiritual and material facets of the Vietnamese nation.


II. The principle of globalization:

  1. History has demonstrated that all freedoms, democracy in any totalitarian regime, communist or otherwise, shall be trodden upon without pity. The only difference is in their varying degrees of oppression. Unfortunately until now, Vietnam belongs to the small number of nations under the rules of Communist dictatorship. This is amply evidenced by article 4 of the current constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam which reads:" The Communist Party of Vietnam follower of Marxism-Leninism and the thoughts of Ho Chi Minh, is the leading force of the government and society." Because of this article all freedoms, democratic rights of the people are destroyed, except perhaps for a few remaining crumbs.

  2. It is this power system, which refuses to accept any competition and any possibility that it may be replaced, that is responsible for the rapid deterioration and demise of the whole system. Because of the lack of equitable competitive principles and rules in the political sphere, after each election, the people are unable to elect the most meritorious individuals or political forces. The leadership machine (which) administers and manages (the affairs of the nation) becomes more and more corrupt, deteriorates from the center to the local areas. The consequence is that Vietnam today becomes a nation lagging too far behind other nations in this region and in the world. This national shame and other national misfortunes are difficult to overcome. The paramount issue (and) the paramount cause (springs from the proposition that) the CPV is the only political force leading the nation! Reality has demonstrated that all nations falling within the orbit of Communism have fared miserably. The Soviet Union, the cradle of Communism, and other East European Socialist nations, have had the courage to overcome themselves in order to return to the right path for their peoples.

  3. We all understand that: no one can change history, but we can change the course of history. More importantly, drawing from lessons in history, we can select a better path for our future. The path of yesterday of our nation was hastily chosen by the Communists, without due consideration, and imposed upon the whole nation by force. This path has been proven erroneous. For this reason, our people today must choose our own path again. It is a certainty that once the whole nation makes their choice, it will be a better choice than the one chosen by a particular individual or group of individuals. The CPV is only a component part of the nation. It cannot assume the name of the whole nation to make that choice! Before our nation and its history during the last half century (1954-2006), this ruling party has ruled only with presumption and lacked legitimacy! The reason being the total absence of truly free elections in Vietnam.


From the above state of affairs and principles, conscious of our responsibilities as citizens during the course of the fate of our nation, we humbly make the following propositions to our people both inside and outside of Vietnam:

III.    Objectives, methods and meanings of our struggle:

  1. The highest objective in the struggle for freedom, democracy for the people today, consists of a total change of political regime in Vietnam, not partial "innovation" or partial adjustments as are currently happening. In concrete terms we must change from a unitary, one party, non-competitive political regime as is today, to a pluralist, multiparty, healthy competitive political regime, in accordance with the legitimate requirements of the nation, in which the system of three powers of the Legislative, Executive, Judiciary must be clearly separated, in conformity with international standards, and in accordance with the experience of humankind through costly and successful democratic systems.

The concrete aim is to establish the following basic rights for the people:

- Freedom of information and speech  in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of the United Nations, ratified on 16 December 1966. Vietnam became a party on 24 September 1982. Article 19.2 states:

  "Everyone shall have the right to freedom of _expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice." This means that political parties, organizations, individuals have the right of (freedom of) information, speech through the printed press, radios, televisions and other instruments of mass media without having to seek permission from governments.

- Freedom to associate, form associations, political parties, vote and stand for elected offices in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, article 25:" Every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity

(a) To take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives;

(b) To vote and to be elected at genuine periodic elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret ballot, guaranteeing the free _expression of the will of the electors; " This means that all political parties of all orientations shall compete in a healthy atmosphere in a legitimate multi-party and pluralist democracy.

- The freedom (to participate in) independent trade unions and the legitimate right to industrial strikes in accordance with the provisions of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, ratified by the United Nations on 16 December 1966. Articles 7 and 8 read:" The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to the enjoyment of just and favorable conditions of work...

"The right of everyone to form trade unions and join the trade union of his choice, subject only to the rules of the organization concerned, for the promotion and protection of his economic and social interests(with) The right to strike." These trade unions must be solely independently active unions, not the type of unions that are lackeys of the regime.

- Religious freedom in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, article 18: "Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching." Religions should conduct their affairs independently, not as an instrument of government.

  2. The method of this struggle is peaceful and non-violent and the Vietnamese people themselves shall carry this struggle to completion. However, we are grateful for the heartfelt and increasingly effective support from friends all over the world. Through modern information dissemination and increasingly open international exchanges, we shall seek means to help our people improve their consciousness. Once the people have achieved right consciousness, they shall surely act appropriately and effectively.

  3. The meaning of this struggle is that righteousness shall overcome wrong, progress shall overcome backwardness. The forces of the nation are working the correct principles of life and the tides of history to overcome the evil forces which are going against these principles and tides. Whether the CPV shall accompany the people (in this journey) depends on its level of objectivity, (sense of) equity, clarity of mind and modesty in accepting the principle of equitable and healthy competition. Only this one party political system must be resolutely buried with the past. From then, the people shall elect the best individuals, the best political forces on each election to lead the nation. The principle "reason will absolutely triumph" shall be established and life for the individual shall improve, society shall be more humane and the people shall be closer to each other.

We are hopeful this declaration shall lead to active contributions from the people both inside and outside of Vietnam, and support from our friends in the international community. We sincerely extend our gratitude to, and appeal to, the United Nations, Congresses/Parliaments, governments, international organizations and friends, for their continued heartfelt and effective support for this meaningful struggle, as part of their contribution to the Vietnamese nation, so that we shall be able soon to catch up and be on par with free, prosperous, virtuous, civilized nations in the human community of today.


Unanimously declared in Vietnam on 8 April 2006


1. Dr (MD) Nguyen Xuan An, Hue
2. (Lecturer/Teacher) Dang Hoai Anh, Hue
3. (Lecturer/Teacher) Dang Van Anh, Hue
4. Dr (MD). Le Hoai Anh, Nha Trang
5. Prof Nguyen Kim Anh, Hue
6. Prof Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Da Nang
7. (Writer) Trinh Canh, Vung Tau
8. (Catholic priest) F.X. Le Van Cao, Hue
9. (Lecturer/Teacher) Le Can, Hue
10. (Catholic priest) Giuse Hoang Can, Hue
11. (Lecturer/Teacher) Tran Thi  Minh Cam, Hue
12. (Catholic priest) Giuse Nguyen Van Chanh, Hue
13.(Lecturer/Teacher) Nguyen Thi Linh Chi, Can Tho
14. Prof Hoang Minh Chinh, Ha Noi
15.(Lecturer/Teacher) Nguyen Viet Cu, Quang Ngai
16. (Agrege) Dang Quoc Cuong, Hue
17. (Writer) Nguyen Dac Cuong, Phan Thiet
18. (Businessman) Ho Ngoc Diep, Da Nang
19. (Lecturer/Teacher) Tran Doan, Quang Ngai
20. Le Thi Phu Dung, Sai Gon
21. (Lecturer/Teacher) Ho Anh Dung, Hue
22. Prof Truong Quang Dung, Hue
23. Dr (MD) Ha Xuan Duong, Hue
24. (Ex-Colonel) Pham Que Duong, Ha Noi
25. (Lawyer) Nguyen Van Dai, Ha Noi
26. (Technician) Tran Van Don, Phan Thiet
27. Dr (MD) Ho Dong, Vinh Long
28. (Catholic priest) Phero Nguyen Huu Giai, Hue
29. (Businessman) Tran Van Ha, Da Nang
30. (Lecturer/Teacher) Le Thi Bich Ha, Can Tho
31. Dr (MD) Le Thi  Ngan Ha, Hue
32. (Lecturer) Le Nguyen Xuan Ha, Hue
33. Vu Thuy Ha, Ha Noi
34. (Engineer) Do Nam Hai, Sai Gon
35. (Lecturer/Teacher) Tran Thach Hai, Hai Phong
36. (Technician) Tran Viet Hai, Vung Tau
37. (Engineer) Doan Thi Dieu Hanh, Vung Tau
38. (Businesswoman) Nguyen Thi Hanh, Da Nang
39. (Lecturer/Teacher) Phan Thi Minh Hanh, Hue
40. Prof Dang Minh Hao, Hue
41. (Writer) Tran Hao, Vung Tau
42. (Writer) Tran Manh Hao, Sai Gon
43. (Lecturer/Teacher) Le Le Hang, Hue
44. (Catholic priest) Giuse Nguyen Duc Hieu, Bac Ninh
45. (Nurse) Che Minh Hoang, Nha Trang
46. (Lecturer/Teacher) Van Dinh Hoang, Hue
47. (Lecturer/Teacher) Le Thu Minh Hung, Sai Gon
48. Prof Nguyen Minh Hung, Hue
49. (Catholic priest) Gk Nguyen Van Hung, Hue
50. (Lecturer/Teacher) Phan Ngoc Huy, Hue
51. (Lecturer/Teacher) Le Thi Thanh Huyen, Hue
52. (Lecturer/Teacher) Do Thi Minh Huong, Hue
53. (Agrege) Mai Thu Huong, Hai Phong
54. (Nurse) Tran Thu Huong, Da Nang
55. (Master Degree) Nguyen Ngoc Ke, Hue
56. Prof Nguyen Chinh Ket, Sai Gon
57. (Agrege) Nguyen Quoc Khanh, Hue
58. (Lecturer/Teacher) Nguyen Dang Khoa, Hue
59. Prof Tran Khue, Sai Gon
60. (Ex Major) Vu Kinh, Ha Noi
61. (Writer) Bui Lang, Phan Thiet
62. (Lecturer/Teacher) Ton That Hoang Lan, Sai Gon
63. (President Orthodox Hoa Hao Buddhist Congregation) Le Quang Liem, Sai Gon
64. Dr (MD) Vu Thi Hoa Linh, Sai Gon
65. (Catholic priest)  G.B. Nguyen Cao Loc, Hue
66. (Catholic priest) Phero Phan Van Loi, Hue
67. (Lecturer/Teacher) Ma Van Luu, Hai Phong
68. (Lecturer/Teacher) Nguyen Van Ly, Hai Phong
69. (Catholic priest) Tadeo Nguyen Van Ly, Hue
70. (Lecturer/Teacher) Cai Thi Mai, Hai Phong
71. (Lecturer/Teacher) Cao Thi Xuan Mai, Hue
72. (Lecturer/Teacher) Nguyen Van Mai, Sai Gon
73. (Writer) Ha Van Mau, Can Tho
74. (Lecturer/Teacher) Phan Van Mau, Hue
75. (Writer) Le Thi Thu Minh, Can Tho
76. (Lecturer/Teacher) Ma Van Minh, Hue
77. (Lecturer/Teacher) Nguyen Anh Minh, Sai Gon
78. Dr (MD) Huyen Ton Nu Phuong Nhien, Da Nang
79. Bui Kim Ngan, Ha Noi
80. (Agrege) Dang Hoai Ngan, Hue
81. (Catholic priest) G.B. Le Van Nghiem, Hue
82. (Lecturer/Teacher) Le Hong Phuc, Hai Phong
83. (Catholic priest) Da Minh Phan Phuoc, Hue
84. (Engineer) Vo Lam Phuoc, Sai Gon
85. (Catholic priest) Giuse Cai Hong Phuong, Hue
86. Ms Nguyen Hong Quang, Sai Gon
87. (Engineer) Ta Minh Quan, Can Tho
88. (Catholic priest) Augustino Ho Van Quy, Hue
89. (Catholic priest) Giuse Tran Van Quy, Hue
90. Dr (MD) Vo Van Quyen, Vinh Long
91. Dr (MD). Tran Thi Sen, Nha Trang
92. Le Van Soc, Vinh Long (Un-ordained follower, Orthodox Hoa Hao Buddhist Congregation)
93. (Engineer) Hoang Son, Hai Phong
94. (Catholic priest) Phaolo Ngo Thanh Son, Hue
95. Prof Nguyen Anh Tai, Da Nang
96. (Engineer) Do Hong Tam, Hai Phong
97. Dr (MD). Ta Minh Tam, Can Tho
98. Prof Nguyen Thanh Tam, Hue
99. Ms Pham Ngoc Thach, Sai Gon
100. (Lecturer/Teacher) Nguyen Binh Thanh, Hue
101. (Lecturer/Teacher) Van Ba Thanh, Hue
102 Nguyen Van Tho, Dong Thap (Un-ordained follower, Orthodox Hoa Hao Buddhist Congregation)
103. (Agrege) Tran Manh Thu, Hai Phong
104. Prof /Dr (PhD) Tran Hong Thu, Sai Gon
105. (Writer) Hoang Tien, Ha Noi
106. (Ex Military Officer) Tran Dung Tien, Ha Noi
107. (Catholic priest) Tephano Chan Tin, Sai Gon
108. (Lecturer/Teacher) Nguyen Khac Toan, Ha Noi
109. (Writer) Ton Nu Minh Trang, Phan Thiet
110. (Lecturer/Teacher) Che Thi Hong Trinh, Hue
111. Dr (MD) Nguyen Anh Tu, Da Nang
112. Dr (MD) Doan Minh Tuan, Sai Gon
113. (Lecturer/Teacher) Le Tri Tue, Hai Phong
114. (Nurse) Tran Thi Hoai Van, Nha Trang
115. (Lecturer/Teacher) Ngo Thi Tuong Vi, Quang Ngai
116. (Lecturer/Teacher) Nguyen Le Xuan Vinh, Can Tho
117. (Agrege) Ho Ngoc Vinh, Da Nang
118. (Engineer) Lam Dinh Vinh, Sai Gon

 
(Translated from the Vietnamese text into English by Dao Tang Duc, solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Australia- 9 April 20

 

 

Return to main page