As Vietnamese President To Lam embarks on his European tour from October 19–24, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the European Union, Belgium, and Denmark to address Vietnam’s troubling human rights record. The organization highlights the continuous crackdown on freedoms of expression, peaceful activism, and independent journalism in Vietnam, urging European leaders to challenge these issues during diplomatic engagements.
HRW’s call comes amid concerns that growing diplomatic and trade relations have not resulted in meaningful reforms in Vietnam. They emphasize the need for European leaders to demand the release of political prisoners and cessation of the prosecution of peaceful government critics. It is essential, HRW notes, that persistent violations should have consequences for diplomatic and economic interactions, as detailed in their statement here.
During Lam’s tenure from 2016 to 2024 as Minister of Public Security before rising to the presidency, Vietnam has seen intensified prosecution of dissenters. HRW reports at least 160 political prisoners with recent convictions and arrests under Vietnam’s vaguely interpreted Penal Code. Articles like 331 and 117 are notorious for criminalizing the “abuse of democratic freedoms” and spreading propaganda against the state, providing a legal basis for curbing dissent.
The significance of engaging with Vietnam on these issues during the visit is underscored by the fact that, despite efforts via approximately 20 EU-Vietnam dialogues since 2002, progress on human rights has remained limited. For instance, journalist Doan Bao Chau’s imprisonment for social media criticisms of the government demonstrates the ongoing risks faced by journalists, a situation also widely criticized by organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Additionally, Reporters Without Borders has previously denounced the maltreatment of detained journalist Le Anh Hung, reflecting broader constraints on press freedom. Labor rights discussions also remain pertinent. Under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, Vietnam pledged labor reforms, including ensuring freedom of association, yet the lack of ratification of ILO Convention No. 87 showcases the gap between promises and practice.
As President Lam visits Denmark and engages with EU officials and Belgium, the spotlight will remain on whether European diplomacy can influence Vietnam’s domestic policies. The EU’s stated concerns regarding Vietnam’s human rights situation provide a backdrop for this critical dialogue, as stakeholders anxiously anticipate tangible signs of progress.