Conservatives Criticize Vietnam
The opposition and civil society welcome Deepak Obhrai's call
for Vietnam to respect human rights, but the statement's timing is questioned.
By Lee Berthiaume
The
Conservative government took a swipe at Vietnam's human rights record last week
after several political activists were arrested and convicted in the lead up to
national elections in the Southeast Asian country.
Speaking in the House of Commons last Wednesday, Foreign Affairs parliamentary
secretary Deepak Obhrai called on the Vietnamese government to release all
political prisoners, including seven found guilty in four trials on March 30 and
given jail sentences ranging from three to eight years for allegedly spreading
propaganda against the state.
"These actions violate the principles of freedom of expression and tolerance for
peaceful opposition," he said. "Canada calls on the government of Vietnam to
release all political prisoners and to respect the international standards for
human rights to which it has freely adhered."
Mr. Obhrai's comments came days after the U.S. government issued a similar
statement and days before millions of voters went to the polls in the Communist
country. They also come at a time when Canada has been working hard to increase
trade relations with Vietnam.
"Vietnam is an increasingly engaged member of the international community and
must respect those fundamental rights," Mr. Obhrai told Embassy last week. "They
need to respect human rights."
The activists were arrested earlier this year after trying to establish
non-Communist opposition parties that were to run in this past weekend's
elections. According to news reports, an incredible 99 per cent of voters turned
out for elections over the weekend, which saw 500 candidates elected to the
country's National Assembly. The country's state-run Thanh Nien newspaper said
only 30 candidates were not sponsored by the state or Communist party.
Mr. Obhrai acknowledged the importance Vietnam holds as a trading partner with
Canada given its status as an emerging market and active player in the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
But referring to the Conservative government's focus on human rights, democracy,
freedom and rule of law approach to Canada's foreign policy, Mr. Obhrai said:
"When we are dealing with countries, when we feel there are violations, we will
let them know in a friendly manner."
The government has in the past been critical of China's record on human rights
and democracy, which has prompted criticism from observers and Canadian business
leaders and resulted in a perceived cooling of relations between Canada and the
emerging economic power.
Mr. Obhrai said the government has not called Vietnam's ambassador to Canada or
the Vietnamese government to communicate its concerns. He would not say what
would happen if Vietnam does not release the prisoners or take steps to protect
human rights and democracy in the country.
"Now we are speculating," he said.
The Vietnamese embassy did not respond to repeated requests for an interview.
Consistent Approach Needed
Liberal MP Bryon Wilfert said he had no problem with Mr. Obhrai or the
government raising the issue of Vietnam's democracy and human rights record.
"There's no question that while Vietnam is modernizing and developing a more
capitalist approach, the one thing the Communist party has been very clear on is
that they are not willing to give up their monopoly on political power," he
said. "That's pretty clear."
However, Mr. Wilfert said if the government is going to address the issue, it
must be consistent in its approach, and he questioned the timing of the
statement, especially as Vietnam's deputy prime minister is expected to visit
Canada at the end of the month.
"I'm surprised he made these statements now," Mr. Wilfert said. "These trials
occurred in March and here we are towards the end of May.
"If you're going to comment on these things, you have to comment on a more
consistent basis. I think they need to do it not just out of the blue in a
member's statement. And I think if they really mean it, they should call the
ambassador and indicate we have grave concerns about these things."
However, Mr. Wilfert said he did notice that the American government had voiced
its own concerns several days before Mr. Obhrai made his statement, though Mr.
Obhrai denied any connection.
Amnesty International Canada spokesman John Tackaberry said Mr. Obhrai's
statement reflected concerns raised by his organization in the past and he felt
raising them in the House was a good way to pressure the Vietnamese government
on its international obligations.
"We welcome the fact that these issues that we've had long-standing concern
about are being raised because the current crack down is a very serious matter
and should be addressed by the international community," he said.
However, Mr. Tackaberry repeated Mr. Wilfert's concerns that Canada so far has
not been consistent in addressing human rights concerns with Vietnam, and warned
against trade issues taking precedent.
"We look to the Canadian government and other governments to be consistent with
their approach and to be raising these issues," he said. "That doesn't mean
there shouldn't be trade. But to have a full relationship, there has to be
respect for human rights, and there is the erosion of human rights, its critical
that people speak out and speak up."