Resolution Calling for Vietnam to be Returned to List of "Countries of Particular Concern" Passes House
 

 

 

Washington, Dec 17, 2010

 

Today, the House of Representatives passed H.Res.20, authored by Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), calling on the U.S. government to re-designate Vietnam as a “Country of Particular Concern” for gross violations of religious freedom.

"This resolution puts the House of Representatives on record - the religious persecution in Vietnam is unacceptable.  If Vietnam wants to have a strong relationship with the U.S., it must honor its citizen's basic rights, including religious liberty.  Passing this resolution is a victory for the countless Vietnamese citizens who continue to face government harassment for practicing their beliefs," said Royce.

 

Since 1999, the U.S. State Department has designated countries that "engage in or tolerate particularly severe violations of religious freedom," as "Countries of Particular Concern."  This annual designation puts the violations of specific countries on record, making it a significant diplomatic tool for advancing human rights. 

 

"Most recently, residents of the Con Dau parish have felt the Communist government's oppression as local policemen and ‘anti-riot’ forces attacked with electric rods over a land dispute.  In addition, persecution of the Hoa Hao Buddhists and the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam continues," said Royce.

 

Due to Vietnam's egregious human rights violations, the State Department had previously listed it as one of these countries.  In 2006, Vietnam was removed from this annual list.

 

"The Obama Administration claims to see positive steps in Vietnam, but frankly, I don't see it.  Religious freedom remains under attack.  The Communist government continues to harass and physically abuse worshipers who don't follow every last state sanctioned rule.  The State Department has time and again failed to act.  I hope with the passage of this resolution, they’ll get the message," Royce stated.

The Royce Resolution was introduced on January 6, 2009.  Democratic leadership in the House has refused to consider it until today, one of the last days of the current Congress.  

 

"This should have passed long ago.  The Vietnamese people deserved better.  But better late than never." 

 

Rep. Ed Royce is a senior member on the Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment Subcommittee.  Additionally Royce serves on the Congressional Caucus on Vietnam and the Caucus on Human Rights.

 

 

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