The Honorable Nguyen Tan Dung, Prime Minister
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
2 Hoang Van Thu Hanoi, Vietnam
Mr. Prime Minister:
I am writing to add my name to the list of those concerned with recent reports involving systemic human rights violations and imprisonment in your country. By way of example, I would cite reports pertaining to the detention and imprisonment of people such as Le Quoc Quan.
Based upon my own research and the information provided to my office by community representatives within my constituency, it would appear that human rights attorney Le Quoc Quan, who has been denied family visitation and access to legal representation since his arrest on December 27th, 2012, is being held as a political prisoner. Le Quoc Quan is a prominent lawyer, human rights defender, blogger, and a former Reagan-Fascell Fellow at the National Endowment for Democracy and it appears that these avocations are the primary underpinning for his detention. With this in mind, I respectfully submit that, should Vietnam wish to foster a reputation as a responsible member of the international community, your administration must strive to prevent such injustices.
I urgently call on you to be the leading advocate in urging your government to honour your international obligations and commitments. I cannot emphasize enough my deep concern over Mr. Quan’s arrest. This transgression, and others like it, represent serious breaches of international law, basic human rights and speaks to several larger issues. This matter has now been raised here in Canada and it is my intention to share my concerns with elected colleagues in other jurisdictions. I trust you will consider your position and echo these sentiments in the days to come.
Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your reply via swift action.
Sincerely,
Hon. Judy A. Sgro, MP
York West
