To:

Honorable Mr. Antonio Guterres
Secretary-General of the United Nations
United Nations Headquarters
New York, NY 10017
United States of America

Dear Secretary-General Antonio Guterres,

We, the undersigned members of the global community, urgently petition the United Nations General Assembly to address the severe human rights violations perpetrated by the government of Vietnam against the indigenous Khmer-Krom community. Specifically, we call for the suspension of Vietnam's membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in light of its egregious actions.

Vietnam's recent crackdown on the indigenous Khmer-Krom community has reached alarming levels, with widespread reports of arbitrary arrests, unjust imprisonment, and religious persecution. Of particular concern is the sentencing of Khmer-Krom activists, including Mr. Thach Cuong, Mr. To Hoang Chuong, Mr. Danh Minh Quang, and Mrs. Dinh Thi Huynh, to prison terms ranging from 2 to 4 years for "abusing democratic freedom" under Article 331 of the Vietnam criminal code. These individuals have been targeted solely for their peaceful advocacy on behalf of their indigenous community, such as distributing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) or organizing events to celebrate International Human Rights Day or International Women's Day. Unfortunately, they faced reprisals for merely exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and association.

In addition to the targeting of activists, on March 26 and March 28, 2024, Vietnamese authorities arrested and defrocked revered Khmer-Krom Buddhist monks, including Venerable Thach Chanh Da Ra, Venerable Duong Khai, Venerable Thach Qui Lay, Venerable Kim Sa Ruong, and Venerable Thach Chop, of the Tro Nom Sek temple in Dai Tho hamlet, Long My village, Tam Binh District, Vinh Long province. They are being detained under the charge of Article 331. These spiritual leaders, known for their commitment to peace and justice, have been subjected to harassment and intimidation simply for practicing and promoting their faith without being controlled by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), which is a Buddhist organization created and regulated by the government. Such actions constitute a blatant violation of the right to freedom of religion or belief. Additionally, Vietnamese authorities arrested Mr. Thach Ve Sanal and Mr. Thach Nha, detained under the charge of "illegal arrest, detention, or imprisonment of a person" (as per Article 157), merely for aiding in the defense of the Tro Nom Sek temple during an attack by local gang members on November 22, 2023.

Furthermore, on April 1, 2024, Vietnam demolished a sacred religious site of the Khmer-Krom community, including a religious hall in Tong Hung hamlet, Loan My village, Tam Binh District, Vinh Long province. This act of cultural and religious desecration not only deprives the Khmer-Krom people of their places of worship but also constitutes a grave violation of their cultural heritage and identity.

These human rights violations are clear evidence of Vietnam's failure to uphold its obligations as a member of the UNHRC. By condoning and perpetrating such abuses, Vietnam has demonstrated a flagrant disregard for the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the core values of the United Nations.

Therefore, we urge the United Nations General Assembly to take immediate action by demanding Vietnam release the Khmer-Krom Buddhist monks and activists without condition and suspending Vietnam's membership in the UNHRC. This decisive step is necessary to hold Vietnam accountable for its human rights violations and to send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated within the international community.

By signing this petition, we stand in solidarity with the Khmer-Krom people and affirm our commitment to defending human rights, religious freedom and belief, dignity, and justice for all.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Names of Signatories