Social Activist Beaten as US Rights Envoy Visits Vietnam
Colin Nguyen - VOA May 12, 2015 A Vietnamese dissident
known for leading anti-Chinese and environmental protests says he was attacked
by a group of unidentified men allegedly linked to the authorities. Vietnamese officials
could not be reached for comment, and Hanoi has not responded to the allegation. Anh Chi was actively
involved in a campaign to hold officials accountable for a plan to fell
thousands of trees, but later scrapped after facing widespread public outcry. During his meetings in Hanoi, Malinowski said that while “Vietnam has made progress on human rights” in recent years, “very significant problems” remain. “Civil society activists,
bloggers, independent journalists and other critics of the government still too
often face harassment, threats and even violence for exercising what ought to be
their internationally recognized human rights," said Malinowski. Relations between the two
former foes have been strengthened in recent years, but the human rights issue
has overshadowed gains in other areas. “It would have to set a minimum wage. It would have to pass safe workplace laws to protect its workers. It would even have to protect workers’ freedom to form unions for the very first time. That would make a difference. That helps to level the playing field and it would be good for the workers in Vietnam, even as it helps make sure that they’re not undercutting competition here in the United States," said President Obama. Top Vietnamese officials have expressed strong desire to join the TPP, but it faces resistance in the U.S. Congress, even among members from the president's own party. Some U.S. lawmakers have stressed that Vietnam should not be granted the membership until it makes significant labor and human rights reforms. This report was produced in collaboration with the VOA Vietnamese service.
Vietnam Human Rights Network |