The Khmer-Krom Buddhist community, despite facing severe religious oppression and persecution under state-controlled policies enforced by the Vietnamese government, stands resilient. These policies systematically strip the Khmer-Krom of their religious freedom, cultural autonomy, and the ability to practice Theravada Buddhism as they have for centuries. The primary forms of religious persecution faced by the Khmer-Krom include:

1. State Control Over Religious Institutions

All religious organizations in Vietnam must operate under government-approved frameworks. For the Khmer-Krom, this means submitting their religious practices to the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), a state-controlled entity. This system undermines the Khmer-Krom’s autonomy, compelling them to follow government directives rather than adhere to their sacred Buddhist teachings. The Khmer-Krom Buddhist monks face numerous challenges, including:

• Being forced to accept the Mahayana Buddhist practices imposed by the VBS, even though the Khmer-Krom traditionally practice Theravada Buddhism.
• Government approval is required for ordaining new monks, and the government has the power to defrock them even without violating Buddhist rules.
• The appointment of VBS-approved Abbots to Khmer-Krom temples undermined the traditional religious structure and weakened their autonomy.
• Replacing Khmer-language documents, especially the Khmer-Krom Buddhist Identification, and stamps in temples with Vietnamese-only versions erased Khmer-Krom cultural identity.
• Forcing monks to attend politically charged workshops under the guise of “National Defense and Security,” where they are subjected to state surveillance and political indoctrination.

2. Arbitrary Arrests and Imprisonment of Religious Leaders

The courageous actions of Khmer-Krom monks and activists who resist state interference often lead to their unjust imprisonment. For example, Khmer-Krom Buddhist monks at Tro Nom Sek temple in Long Hor (Vinh Long) province, who refused to practice their religion under the state-controlled VBS, were arrested for asserting their right to religious freedom. Many of these monks were detained without legal representation or family visits for months before being forced to make false confessions, which were broadcasted by state-controlled media after their trials.

3. Destruction of Religious Sites and Restrictions on Temples

The Vietnamese government has demolished Khmer-Krom religious structures, including the destruction of a nearly completed religious hall in Loan My village, Long Hor (Vinh Long) province, in April 2024. This attack on religious sites further suppresses the Khmer-Krom’s ability to practice their faith. Temples that resist state-imposed restrictions are subjected to harassment, forced closures, and government-appointed leadership changes, stripping the Khmer-Krom monks of their autonomy and freedom to serve their communities.

4. Forced Confessions and Unfair Trials

Khmer-Krom monks and activists face extreme psychological pressure and physical mistreatment in detention to coerce false confessions. These forced confessions, used as evidence in closed-door trials where detainees are unable to provide a defense or challenge the charges, are a blatant injustice. This tactic undermines their right to a fair trial and perpetuates a system of injustice against those simply advocating for their religious freedoms.

5. Criminalization of Peaceful Religious and Human Rights Activities

The Vietnamese government criminalizes the peaceful exercise of religious and human rights activities, such as organizing International Human Rights Day, distributing UN human rights documents, or even commemorating International Women’s Day. This suppression of peaceful activism often leads to harassment, imprisonment, and the forced closure of religious practices, as the government views these efforts as threats to its authority.

A Call for Urgent International Action

The Khmer-Krom people are not asking for special privileges; they seek the fundamental right to freely practice their religion, preserve their culture, and live without fear of persecution. The Khmer-Krom Buddhist community, an integral part of the fabric of Kampuchea-Krom, must be allowed to freely express their spiritual beliefs, practice their customs, and maintain their cultural identity without interference. The situation’s urgency calls for the international community to join this crucial advocacy to ensure that the Khmer-Krom people can live with dignity and freedom.