Stand against transnational repression, defending free voices
November 12, 2026
According to international human rights organizations, the repression of peaceful voices on the situation in Vietnam is worsening sharply under To Lam and the expanding power of the Ministry of Public Security. Hanoi is not only stifling civil society at home; it is also broadening and systematizing its measures of transnational repression, from surveillance, intimidation, and trials in absentia to abductions targeting journalists and activists abroad.
Particularly serious is the case of Mr. Nguyen Duc Thuan, a Norwegian citizen, Mr. Tran Hiep, an Australian citizen, and Mr. Thai Cong Truong Son, who were abducted in Cambodia and forcibly taken to Vietnam. This act not only violates sovereignty and international law, but also sounds an alarm: transnational repression can target anyone, regardless of nationality or place of residence.
Facing the risk of retaliation, those who courageously speak out need protection all the more. Protecting them is not only a moral duty, but also the most practical way to safeguard the freedom and safety of all of us.
Driven by this commitment, the 2026 Le Dinh Luong Human Rights Award takes as its theme Stand Against Transnational Repression, Defending Free Voices. It aims to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to exposing and preventing transnational repression, and to support those who are being targeted.
The award ceremony will be held on December 13, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia, close to December 10, which is both International Human Rights Day and the birthday of human rights activist Le Dinh Luong.
Through the 2026 Le Dinh Luong Human Rights Award, Viet Tan calls on the Vietnamese community, together with human rights organizations and international political leaders, to speak out and act to stop transnational repression and to protect those who are committing themselves to freedom and human rights.
Viet Tan
For more information, please contact Dr. Suzie Dong Xuyen at +1 346-704-4744.
