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The current context in Vietnam raises major concerns regarding the protection of human rights and the defense of civil society. Recently, a complaint was filed by several human rights organizations with the European Commission, denouncing the systematic repression orchestrated by the Hanoi regime against human rights defenders. This situation would not only be a serious attack on fundamental freedoms, but also a flagrant violation of the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Union, which entered into force in 2020. The implications of these actions on the respect of Vietnam’s international commitments and on the socio-economic situation of the country are crucial issues to be examined.
Recently, Vietnam was highlighted through a complaint filed by several human rights organizations. This complaint, presented to the European Commission, raises serious accusations against the Vietnamese government. The denunciations relate to a systematic repression of human rights defenders, particularly those involved in sustainable development, in violation of the free trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Vietnam, the EVFTA.
A coalition to denounce repression
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the Vietnam Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (VCHR), Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) And Global Witness joined forces to make their voices heard. In their complaint, these organizations argue that the repression exercised by the Hanoi regime against individuals and groups engaged in the defense of environmental and social rights directly contravenes the commitments made by Vietnam under the EVFTA, in force since August 2020.
Human rights violations in question
Brussels and Paris, on February 4, 2025, the plaintiffs expressed their indignation over the human rights situation in Vietnam. Repression manifests itself in the imprisonment of those who speak out on issues related to environmental protection and workers’ rights. Gaëlle Dusepulchre, deputy director of FIDH, declared that this repression weakens the implementation of the agreement on sustainable development. The organizations demand the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained and call for the creation of a climate conducive to civil action.
Commitments not kept by Vietnam
The complaint also echoes Vietnam’s commitment to respect human rights when ratifying the EVFTA. Penelope Faulkner, president of the VCHR, challenged the EU on the need to hold Vietnam accountable for its violations. The legitimacy of human rights defenders in Vietnam must be protected, to enable them to promote the rights of their communities without fear of reprisals.
An insufficient legal framework for human rights
Recent EU trade agreements include stipulations requiring compliance with labor rights and environmental protection standards. These obligations must be translated into concrete actions. In the event of non-compliance, EU member states can submit complaints to the European Commission. This could lead to economic sanctions against Vietnam, or even the suspension of the agreement entirely.
An escalation of repression in Vietnam
Since 2021, the Vietnamese government has expanded its repressive arsenal against rights defenders. Politically motivated accusations, such as “ tax evasion » or the broadcast of “ classified information ”, are integrated into the vague provisions of the Penal Code on national security to justify arrests. Decree 126 of 2024 also restricted the creation and activity of civil society organizations, making the exercise of fundamental rights in the country increasingly difficult.
Documented emblematic cases
The complainant organizations cite around forty cases of human rights activists and defenders, sentenced to prison terms including activities in favor of sustainable development. Notable examples include Pham Chi Dung, stopped after a call to delay the ratification of the agreement, and Dang Dinh Bach, environmental advocate and critic of the deal.
A call to action for the EU
In conclusion, the organizations involved in the complaint urge the EU to step up its action against the deplorable human rights violations in Vietnam. Beate Beller Global Witness described the crackdown as a worrying criminalization of human rights activism. This underlines the urgent need for the EU to ensure respect for the most fundamental rights in its relations with its trading partners.
For more information, you can consult articles such as those of The World Or Queme, which examine the broader dimensions of human rights abuses in Vietnam.
Vietnam and EU Complaint Filed FAQ
What does the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) accuse the Vietnamese government of? FIDH, in collaboration with other organizations, criticizes the Vietnamese government for systematic repression of human rights defenders working on sustainable development, thus violating the stipulations of the free trade agreement between the European Union and Vietnam.
What is the origin of the complaint filed? The complaint was filed with the Directorate-General for Trade of the European Commission, denouncing the repression of people and organizations engaged in sustainable development, in contradiction with the EVFTA which entered into force in August 2020.
What is the position of the complainant organizations regarding human rights in Vietnam? The organizations say the government imprisons individuals for their legitimate concerns on issues such as environmental protection and workers’ rights, demonstrating the inadequacy of the repression with Vietnam’s human rights commitments.
What are organizations asking of the European Union? They call on the EU to hold Vietnam accountable for violations of the trade deal, ensuring that human rights defenders can work without fear of reprisals.
What consequences could the complaint have for Vietnam? If the violations are confirmed, this could lead to economic sanctions, such as the removal of economic benefits granted to Vietnam under the EVFTA, or even the complete suspension of the agreement.
What examples of human rights violations are mentioned in the complaint? The complaint cites dozens of activists currently arbitrarily detained for their sustainable development actions, as well as charges including tax evasion and disclosure of classified information used as a pretext for imprisonment.
What is the impact of these violations on Vietnamese civil society? The government’s repressive actions have silenced many critical voices, preventing the creation of an environment conducive to civil society and the defense of human rights.