Rob Oliphant Meets with United States Members of Congress to Discuss Mutual Concern over Human Rights in Vietnam

Share on facebook
Share on google
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp
Share on email
Share on print
Share on facebook
Share on google
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp
Share on email
Share on print

March 16, 2011

OTTAWA – Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West and Liberal Party Multiculturalism Critic, travelled to Washington, DC this week to meet with members of the United States House of Representatives. Mr. Oliphant, a strong defender of human rights around the world, has been working to raise the issue of human rights in Vietnam in the House of Commons.

Earlier this month, Mr. Oliphant introduced a motion at the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights calling on the committee to conduct a study into the human rights situation in Vietnam. The study would focus on the ongoing repression and detention of activists and dissidents; restrictions on freedom of expression, association and assembly; limitations and restrictions on access to the internet; restrictions on free speech and peaceful civil society; and opposition to the government and its policies. The committee voted to support Mr. Oliphant’s motion.

In Washington, Mr. Oliphant met with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Congressman Chris Smith, Congressman Frank Wolf, Congresswoman Susan Davis, and staff from the office of Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. In addition, he met with members of the U.S. Viet Tan (Reform) Party and members of the Democratic Party of Vietnam from a variety of U.S. States who were in Washington for the week. “I am eager to have the opportunity to meet with my American counterparts, to discuss how we can work together to continue raising the issues surrounding human rights in Vietnam,” Oliphant said. “It is my hope that these meetings will serve as the foundation for a continued relationship between American Members of Congress and Canadian Members of Parliament, working on these and other issues pertaining to international human rights,” Oliphant concluded.

-30-

Contact:
Noah Farber
Office of Rob Oliphant, M.P.
613-992-2855

PDF - 89.1 kb
Rob Oliphant – Washington DC

Share on facebook
Share on google
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp
Share on email
Share on print

LATEST ARTICLES

Vietnam: A Half Century Of Backwardness And The Path Forward

Half a century after the war and following three decades of integration, Vietnam has seen economic growth but our overall development remains behind the advanced countries in the region. Without sustainable and comprehensive development, Vietnam is at risk of falling further behind.

Internet Freedom Campaign

Vital to Vietnam’s development, the Internet has the power to transform Vietnamese society; in many ways it already has. In the absence of an independent media, citizens have turned to the Internet to follow the news and debate national issues.

Fleeing My Homeland but Unable to Escape Repression !

My name is Nguyễn Văn Tráng, a human rights defenderwanted by the Vietnamese government. As a democracy activist in Vietnam, I spent five years living in constant fear of being hunted down. I thought that fear would subside once I fled the country. I believed I would be safe—or at least safer. But I was wrong.

Chris MacLeod pays tribute to Y Brec Bya

Y Krec has exhibited personal bravery in the face of horrific persecution. Not just against himself but against his community. He has been jailed multiple times simply for practicing his faith outside of government control.