The Hon Julie Bishop MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Minister
I write to bring to your urgent attention the very disturbing situation of Mr Huynh Ngoc Tuan and his children, Mr Huynh Trong Hieu and Ms Huynh Thuc Vy, who are human rights activists in Vietnam.
I have recently received and email from Mr Hieu advising that Mr Tuan and his family have been subject to ongoing discrimination, harassment and physical abuse arising from their activities in protesting the human rights violation of Vietnam.
I am further advised that Mr Tuan and his family members have been the subjects of cruel and inhumane treatment from Vietnamese police, namely physical abuse, personal asset confiscations, threats to personal safety and illegal detention.
I have enclosed a copy of Mr Hieu’s email for your consideration.
Being a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Vietnam should be held to a higher standard in respect to human rights.
Breaches of obligations flowing from the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other instruments should be met with a firm response from the international community.
I respectfully request your urgent assistance in bringing this matter to the attention of the Australian Embassy in Vietnam.
Yours sincerely,
CHRIS HAYES MP
Federal Member for Fowler
Chief Opposition Whip