Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
International NGOs Issue Open Letter Urging Sanctions Against Vietnam’s General To Lam for Human Rights Abuses
Date: 23 September 2024
A coalition of international human rights organizations has today issued an urgent letter calling for targeted sanctions against General To Lam, the President of Vietnam and former Minister of Public Security. The letter, addressed to global leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and European Council President Charles Michel, demands accountability for To Lam’s role in gross human rights violations during his tenure as head of Vietnam’s security forces.
The letter, signed by notable NGOs such as ACAT Belgium, ACAT France, ACAT Germany, Brotherhood for Democracy, Transitional Justice Working Group, and Viet Tan, outlines a pattern of egregious human rights abuses orchestrated by General To Lam. Among the key accusations are:
- International Abductions
General To Lam is implicated in the unlawful abductions of Vietnamese dissidents from foreign countries, including the high-profile kidnapping of Trinh Xuan Thanh in Berlin in 2017. These actions violate international law and the sovereignty of other nations.
- Violence Against Communities
Under To Lam’s command, the Ministry of Public Security violently suppressed local communities, with the Dong Tam village raid in January 2020 standing out as one of the deadliest episodes. The raid resulted in the death of community leader Le Dinh Kinh and highlighted ongoing land disputes in Vietnam, with civilians suffering violent crackdowns.
- Crackdown on Human Rights Defenders and Civil Society Activists
During his time as Minister, hundreds of human rights defenders, activists, and environmental advocates were arrested and sentenced to long prison terms, often without fair trial. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has documented numerous cases of wrongful imprisonment under his leadership.
- Forced Exile of Activists
Dozens of activists were forced into exile to avoid persecution and torture, effectively silencing critics of the Vietnamese government’s human rights record.
- Internet Censorship and Surveillance
General To Lam oversaw an expansive campaign to control online speech, pressuring internet companies to censor content and systematically monitoring and harassing online dissidents. This has severely restricted freedom of expression in Vietnam.
The NGOs are urging the governments of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, and the European Union to enact **targeted sanctions** under the Magnitsky law and similar human rights legislation. These measures would include freezing General To Lam’s assets and imposing travel bans.
The letter also calls for **public condemnation** of To Lam’s actions, demanding that world leaders stand with the Vietnamese people who continue to face political repression and systemic human rights abuses.
“This open letter is a crucial step in holding General To Lam accountable for his longstanding role in orchestrating repression and violence in Vietnam,” said a representative from ACAT Belgium. “We urge global leaders to take decisive action and send a clear message that human rights abuses will not be tolerated.”
The international community’s response to these calls for action will be instrumental in supporting the people of Vietnam as they continue their struggle for justice, human rights, and democracy.
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About the Organizations:
– ACAT Belgium, ACAT France, ACAT Germany: Christian-based organizations committed to the abolition of torture and the protection of human rights.
– Brotherhood for Democracy: A Vietnamese organization advocating for democracy and human rights in Vietnam.
– Transitional Justice Working Group: A coalition of organizations working toward accountability and justice for victims of human rights abuses in Asia.
– Viet Tan: With members in Vietnam and around the world, Viet Tan aims to establish democracy and reform Vietnam through peaceful means.
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