Advocating for Religious Freedom and Human Rights in Washington, D.C.

On Friday, March 27, 2026, leaders of the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation (KKF), Khmer-Krom Buddhist monks, together with a dedicated group of KKF interns, took their advocacy to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., engaging directly with Members of Congress and their staff to raise urgent human rights concerns affecting the Khmer-Krom people.

This Lobby Day marked an important milestone, not only in advancing KKF’s advocacy efforts but also in empowering the next generation of leaders to speak on behalf of Indigenous communities whose voices are too often unheard.

Bringing Urgent Issues to Congress

During their meetings, the KKF delegation presented a congressional briefing outlining the growing challenges faced by the Khmer-Krom, the Indigenous people of the Mekong Delta in present-day southern Vietnam.

The delegation highlighted increasing restrictions on religious freedom and peaceful advocacy, particularly affecting Khmer-Krom Buddhist monks and community members. Many have been targeted for practicing their faith independently, promoting Khmer-language and cultural education, or simply for sharing information about international human rights standards.

KKF also raised concerns about the use of Article 331 of Vietnam’s Criminal Code, which has been widely used to criminalize peaceful expression. Several activists and monks have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to six years under this provision.

In addition, the delegation drew attention to individual cases, including Ms. Thach Thi Hoa Ri, who was arrested after organizing International Women’s Day activities and remains without access to legal representation.

Addressing Transnational Repression

Beyond domestic repression, KKF leaders emphasized a growing concern: transnational pressure on Khmer-Krom advocates living abroad.

Members of the diaspora have reported being questioned or monitored when returning to Vietnam, while their family members face harassment due to advocacy conducted overseas. These actions create fear within communities and may constitute efforts to silence legitimate human rights work beyond Vietnam’s borders.

A Clear Call to Action

In their meetings, KKF urged Members of Congress to take concrete steps, including:

* Publicly raising awareness of Khmer-Krom human rights concerns and urging the release of the Khmer-Krom Buddhist monks and activists;
* Encouraging U.S. diplomatic engagement with Vietnam on issues of religious freedom and the treatment of activists; and
* Supporting a review of Vietnam’s designation under the International Religious Freedom Act, including consideration as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

These recommendations come at a critical time, as the United States and Vietnam continue to deepen their bilateral relationship, underscoring the importance of human rights as a central part of that engagement.

Empowering the Next Generation

A defining feature of this Lobby Day was the active participation of KKF interns and students from universities across the United States, who played meaningful roles in preparing materials, organizing meetings, and engaging in discussions with congressional offices.

For many, it was their first experience engaging directly in advocacy at the federal level. Their involvement reflects KKF’s commitment to building youth leadership and ensuring that the movement for Khmer-Krom rights continues with strength and vision.

Through this experience, the interns not only learned about policy and advocacy but also witnessed firsthand how their voices can contribute to real change.

Advocacy That Makes an Impact

The Lobby Day demonstrated the power of coordinated advocacy, combining lived experience, research, and strategic engagement with policymakers. It also reinforced an important reality: even small delegations can have a meaningful impact when they speak with clarity, purpose, and unity.

As KKF continues its work at both national and international levels, including upcoming engagement at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, this moment on Capitol Hill stands as a reminder that advocacy, when persistent and principled, can help bring long-overdue attention to justice.