|
|
|
Canada & Vietnam: Moving Forward Together Remarks by Hon. David Kilgour, M.P. Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont Vietnamese Federation Rally Parliament Hill June 27, 2005 Good afternoon,
As you may know, Senator Mac Harb and I were in Hanoi several months ago. Both of us were pleased that the government of Vietnam welcomed us warmly, as we welcome them now.
Hanoi has changed enormously for the better since our last visit about eight years ago and there is tremendous potential in Vietnam today. The Vietnamese communities all over the world are some of the most hard-working and entrepreneurial.
We are pleased to note that there have been a number of positive developments recently. Following our visit, the Vietnamese government released the following political and religious prisoners:
An additional twelve prisoners of conscience have been released since. On another positive note, Vietnam has been selected as a member of Canada’s 25 nations to receive aid, which means greater cooperation between our peoples, and greater potential for positive change.
There are, however, a number of worrying areas. Vietnam continues to persecute and imprison ethnic and religious minorities who attempt to practice their faith.
Recent statements by the Vietnamese government on their commitment to religious freedom will only hold water if they are complimented by actions. The same counts for the harassment of journalists and cyber-dissidents. An independent and privately-run media is key to building a truly democratic society, including the freedom to criticize one own’s government.
Another area for concern is the plight of refugees along the Cambodia-Vietnam border – the UNHCR must be allowed to monitor the situation closely, in order to ensure that refugees are guaranteed all the rights they are subject to under international law.
Vietnam is moving in the right direction. The recent release of the aforementioned prisoners, and Canada’s legal guidance reveal glimpses of positive effects of reform. Canada has been offering training to judges in Vietnam in order to strengthen its legal system and the rule of law. Yet I would urge the government of Vietnam to continue to set positive examples, and to show Canadians that their efforts are benefiting all Vietnamese regardless of their ethnicity and religion. The strengthening of the rule of law is one of the most basic building blocks for a democratic society, and an independent judicial system based on recognized international principles is a necessity.
With the freedoms of speech and religion, rule of law, pluralism, and a democratic core, all the people of Vietnam can realize their true potential. The UN Special Rapporteurs, international human rights groups, international trade and business partners, neighbouring countries, and countries like Canada can all offer a helping hand. Vietnam is on the right path, and I sincerely hope that the progress continues to come quickly, with the will of the Vietnamese government.
Thank you.
-30 |
|
