Biden’s Hanoi Visit: Why Human Rights Should Be a Top Priority

Crackdown on Activists, Repressive Laws Pose Barriers to Better US Relations

Biden Should Raise Rights on Hanoi Visit

As President Joe Biden prepares for his visit to Hanoi on September 10, 2023, there is an urgent need for him to address the alarming human rights situation in Vietnam. Human Rights Watch has called on President Biden to publicly urge Vietnam’s leaders to release all political prisoners and undertake meaningful reforms to address the country’s repressive laws.

A Plea for Human Rights

Human Rights Watch has emphasized the key human rights issues that President Biden should prioritize in his discussions with the Vietnamese government. These issues include the persecution of human rights and environmental defenders, the suppression of freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, and the violation of freedom of religion and belief.

Concrete Improvements for Closer Relations

It is crucial for President Biden to make it clear to Vietnam’s leaders that closer relations between the United States and Vietnam depend on tangible improvements in the country’s human rights record. While pursuing diplomatic and economic partnerships with Hanoi, the US must not sideline human rights concerns.

The Plight of Political Prisoners

Vietnam is currently holding at least 159 political prisoners who are imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising their basic civil and political rights. Additionally, 22 individuals are currently detained pending trial before a Communist Party-controlled court. It is imperative for President Biden to raise the cases of these political prisoners and advocate for their immediate and unconditional release.

Reforming Repressive Laws

In addition to pressing for the release of political prisoners, President Biden should urge Vietnamese leaders to repeal or amend repressive provisions in the Vietnamese penal code and other laws that have been used to prosecute activists. These vaguely defined and loosely interpreted laws, such as those related to activities aimed at overthrowing the government and undermining unity policies, create barriers to freedom of expression and peaceful dissent.

Bringing Vietnam in Line with International Standards

In order to align with international human rights standards, Vietnam must reform its laws to be compatible with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which it is a party. This includes amending the Criminal Procedure Code to ensure that individuals detained for alleged offenses, including national security crimes, have immediate access to legal counsel upon arrest.

Cyber Security and Freedom of Religion

President Biden should also call on Vietnamese leaders to repeal or amend the law on Cyber Security and the associated Decree 53/2022 to bring them in line with international human rights standards. Furthermore, he should publicly urge Vietnam’s leaders to allow independent religious organizations to freely conduct their activities and govern themselves. Allowing churches and denominations that do not join government-sanctioned boards to operate independently is crucial for promoting freedom of religion.

A Compromised Relationship

It is vital for President Biden to recognize that the relationship between the United States and Vietnam extends beyond the government and encompasses the Vietnamese people. By remaining silent on human rights issues, the US may be perceived as complicit in the Vietnamese government’s escalating crackdown on human rights, which could have long-term implications for the relationship between the two countries.

Conclusion

President Biden‘s upcoming visit to Hanoi presents a critical opportunity for him to address the alarming human rights situation in Vietnam. By raising human rights concerns publicly and privately with Vietnam’s leaders, he can prioritize the release of political prisoners, advocate for legal reforms, and push for adherence to international human rights standards. Only through concrete and verifiable improvements in Vietnam’s human rights record can the US and Vietnam build a stronger and more meaningful relationship.

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