Statement by Parliamentary Secretary Obhrai on the Human Rights Situation in Vietnam

Vietnam (Photo credit: Simone Anderegg)

The Honourable Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, today issued the following statement:

“Canada welcomes progress made by Vietnam in recent years in areas such as economic growth and development. However, concerns remain notably with regard to the state of civil, political, and human rights situation in Vietnam.

“For some time now, we have witnessed worrying developments regarding respect for human rights in Vietnam. Of particular concern is the recent pattern of arrests and harsh sentencing of Vietnamese citizens for exercising their rights, including their rights to freedom of expression, association and religion, as well as their right of peaceful assembly. These rights are protected under Vietnam’s domestic statutes and its international obligations.

“As an important partner committed to the growth and development of Vietnam, Canada reminds the Government of Vietnam of its legal obligations to protect the fundamental human rights and freedoms
of all its citizens, including priests, bloggers and journalists. Canada encourages the Government of
Vietnam to engage in dialogue with citizens who express views contrary to those of the government and to release individuals who have been imprisoned for exercising their democratic rights.”

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