Khmer Krom : UNPO Welcomes the Joint Allegation Letter sent by the UN Special Rapporteurs to the Goverment of Viet Nam
The UNPO welcomes the publication of a Joint Allegation Letter written by the United Nations Special Rapporteurs on on the subject of human rights violations in Vietnam against the indigenous Khmer Krom people. The letter addresses the serious concerns of the Special Rapporteur about the ongoing repression of Khmer-Krom activists and human rights defenders, including the failure of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to recognize the right to self-determination of the Khmer Krom Indigenous Peoples.
The UNPO jointly the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation has been for long time advocating for the rights of the Khmer-Krom, including, raising its concerns about Vietnam's refusal to recognize the Indigenous and Religious Rights of the Khmer-Krom.
Specifically, the JAL addresses “information received [by Special Procedures] concerning the alleged failure of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to recognize the right to self-determination of the Khmer Krom Indigenous Peoples who live mainly in the Mekong Delta region, in the South-West of Viet Nam, as well as the alleged violation of their rights to freedom of expression, association, health, food, water, housing, a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, freedom of religion or belief, as well as their linguistic and cultural rights”.
The letter, led by the Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Rights, is signed by the Special Rapporteurs on cultural rights, education mental and physical health rights, situation of human rights defenders and freedom of religion and belief.
The UNPO supports the work of the United Nations Special Rapporteurs on this issue and calls on a reinforcement of scrutiny on reprisals against self-determination activists, in South East Asia and across the world. We urge the Vietnamese authorities to address the concerns raised in the Joint Allegation Letter and to take all necessary measures to ensure the protection of human rights in Vietnam.
The Khmer Krom inhabit the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam and are one of the largest minorities in the country. They continue to advocate for a wide range of policy changes relating to their cultural, religious, environmental and political rights.
