Australia Urged to Demand Concrete Human Rights Improvements from Vietnam Ahead of Dialogue
Sydney, Australia - August 11, 2025 – As Australia prepares for its 20th Human rights Dialogue with Vietnam tomorrow, human Rights Watch is calling on Australian officials to move beyond symbolic discussions and demand measurable progress on Vietnam’s deeply concerning human rights record. A recent submission to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade outlines specific benchmarks for enhancement, emphasizing the urgent need for tangible change.
For two decades, these dialogues have yielded little demonstrable impact. It’s time for a shift in strategy, focusing on concrete outcomes rather than simply raising concerns. You deserve to know how your government is advocating for fundamental freedoms abroad.
A Crisis of Political Freedom in Vietnam
Vietnam currently holds over 170 individuals as political prisoners. these individuals are unjustly incarcerated under restrictive laws that stifle free expression and peaceful activism. Authorities systematically suppress independent organizations, including labor unions, media outlets, religious groups, and any entity operating outside strict government control.
This crackdown represents a severe erosion of fundamental rights. It’s a situation demanding a firm and focused response from international partners like Australia.
Key Recommendations for the Australian government
Human Rights Watch urges Australia to prioritize the following five critical areas during the upcoming dialogue:
Release of Political Prisoners: Demand the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained activists and individuals imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights.
End Persecution of Environmental Activists: Advocate for the protection of environmental defenders who are increasingly targeted for their work.
Respect for labor Rights: Push for genuine respect for labor rights, including the right to organize and bargain collectively.
Due Process for Criminal Suspects: Insist on fair trials and adherence to international standards of due process for all criminal suspects and defendants.
Freedom of Religion and Belief: call for an end to restrictions on religious practice and the protection of all faiths.
Spotlight on Detained Activists
Australia should specifically raise the cases of the following individuals, whose imprisonment exemplifies the Vietnamese government’s crackdown on dissent:
Pham Doan Trang: A prominent journalist unjustly convicted for her reporting.
Bui Tuan Lam: A rights advocate currently detained for peaceful activism.
Pham Chi Dung: A journalist imprisoned for independent reporting.
Dang Dinh Bach: A land rights activist facing lengthy imprisonment. Le Dinh Luong: A human rights defender targeted for his advocacy.
Dinh Van Hai: A religious freedom advocate unjustly detained.
Nguyen Thai Hung: A YouTube content creator imprisoned for his online expression.
these individuals represent a broader pattern of repression. Their cases highlight the urgent need for systemic change within Vietnam’s legal and political systems.
Beyond Dialogue: A Call for Systemic reform
“The Vietnamese government’s intensifying crackdown on fundamental freedoms directly undermines the purpose of these human rights dialogues,” says Daniela Gavshon, Australia director at Human Rights Watch. “Australia must press for systemic reforms that demonstrate a genuine commitment to human rights, recognizing that dialogue is just one component of a comprehensive approach.”
Ultimately, the success of the Australia-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue will be measured not by the discussions held, but by the tangible improvements in the lives of Vietnamese citizens. You can be assured that Human rights Watch will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for a future where human rights are respected and protected in Vietnam.
Resources:
Human Rights Watch: Australia
Human Rights Watch: Vietnam
Submission to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Free Vietnam’s Political Prisoners
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