ASIA/VIETNAM - Vietnamese NGO Report on human rights and religious freedom

Thursday, 5 February 2015

Hanoi (Agenzia Fides) - A forum of 24 independent organizations has prepared and distributed a Report that draws attention regarding the human rights violations that occurred in Vietnam in 2014. The document includes abuse on freedom of religion or belief.
The text sent to Agenzia Fides, reports "blatant, illegal and systematic acts of repression on human rights defenders and dissidents", saying that in Vietnam there are at least 105 prisoners of conscience currently detained in the country. The Report calls for the involvement of the UN Council for Human Rights of the United Nations and the international community.
It focuses also on prohibition of worship, holding religious meetings, beatings against monks and believers, the demolition of religious structures, passed off as "activities aimed at overthrowing the people's administration" punished according to Article 79 of the penal Code.
Among the signatories, there are Protestant Christian, Buddhist organizations and civil groups for the defense of the rights of minorities. The NGO "Christian Solidarity Worldwide", based in London, on commenting the Report notes that "the religious and secular leaders in Vietnam are at the forefront in the promotion of human rights, the rule of law, freedom of expression". "Vietnam is present in the UN Council for Human Rights of the United Nations, and must address the issues related to the respect of human rights raised in the Report, including abuses against Christians and other religious communities". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 05/02/2015)


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