Press Release: Vietnamese Delegation of Human Rights Activists and Bloggers Visits the United States, Europe, and Australia to Advocates for Human Rights in Vietnam

12/1/2014 - Invited by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and other INGOs, a delegation advocating for human rights in Vietnam will visit the United States, Europe, and Australia starting from 12 January 2014. The delegation consists of representatives from VOICE, Vietnamese Bloggers Network, Dan Lam Bao, The Vietnam Path Movement, Hoa Hao Buddhist Church, No-U Vietnam, The Association of Political and Religious Prisoners, and relatives of current political prisoners in Vietnam.

The delegation will meet with OHCHR and other UN bodies related to the upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Vietnam which will take place on February 5, 2014 in Geneva, Switzerland, a process that occurs every four (4) years. In addition, the delegation will meet with representatives of the US Congress and Department of State, the European Union Parliament, the Australian Parliament, Amnesty International, Frontline Defenders, International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), and other INGOs as well as the overseas Vietnamese communities. Furthermore, the delegation will participate in side events related to the UPR with representatives from the Permanent Missions in Geneva, international human rights organizations and the media. 

With assistance from OHCHR and the international organizations mentioned above, this delegation consisting of Vietnamese activists from in and outside of the country, aims to provide full and accurate information on the current human rights situation in Vietnam. It is hoped that our advocacy will inspire further changes resulting in the Vietnamese Government to respect and protect human rights as a new member state of the Human Rights Council. 

For more information regarding the delegation and its activities, please contact our representative, Ms Ann Pham at +1.714.325.8276 or vietnamupr@gmail.com. 

SIGNED: 

Vietnamese Bloggers Network Dan Lam Bao

Vietnam Path Movement

Hoa Hao Buddhist Church No-U Vietnam 

Association of Political and Religious Prisoners of Vietnam 

VOICE