Viet Nam: UN experts alarmed by ongoing repression of Khmer Krom Indigenous Peoples and Theravada Buddhist monks
GENEVA – UN experts* today expressed serious concern over reports of escalating repression against Khmer Krom Indigenous Peoples in Viet Nam, including human rights defenders, Theravada Buddhist monks and followers, and cultural rights advocates.
“We are deeply troubled by reports that Khmer Krom human rights defenders, activists, and Theravada Buddhist monks face systemic harassment, criminalisation, and religious and cultural repression,” the experts said. “Peaceful efforts to promote Indigenous identity, cultural expressions, and religious freedom should never be treated as a threat to national security or public order.”
At least 17 Khmer Krom monks, community activists and human rights defenders have been arrested. They have been subjected to unfair trials and given disproportionate sentences for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of peaceful assembly, and the right to take part in cultural life.