In response to Viet Nam’s recent denial of documented human rights violations against the Khmer-Krom people, the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation (KKF) has issued an official public statement addressing the government’s reply to the United Nations Joint Communication (AL VNM 5/2025). While Viet Nam’s response dismisses all allegations without addressing verified cases of arbitrary detention, religious repression, and cultural discrimination, KKF presents evidence and legal arguments that reaffirm the reality of systemic oppression in the Mekong Delta. This statement calls on the United Nations, its Member States, and the international community to demand accountability, ensure monitored access to detainees, and support the peaceful advocacy of the Khmer-Krom people for their cultural and religious rights.

Public Statement: Responding to Viet Nam’s Denial of Human Rights Violations Against the Khmer-Krom

Washington D.C. — October 10, 2025. The Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation (KKF) acknowledges Viet Nam’s formal reply to the United Nations Joint Communication AL VNM 5/2025, transmitted on October 7, 2025. While we welcome Viet Nam’s decision to engage with the UN Special Procedures, we express deep concern that its reply categorically rejects all allegations without addressing the specific, well-documented cases of arbitrary detention, harassment, and religious repression raised by multiple UN Special Rapporteurs. Viet Nam’s failure to respond substantively to these concerns raises serious doubts about its commitment to fulfilling its obligations as a member of the UN Human Rights Council.

KKF reiterates that our concern is not political but humanitarian and legal, grounded in international obligations that Viet Nam has voluntarily undertaken. We respectfully submit this clarification to assist States, UN mechanisms, and the international community in assessing the situation accurately.

1. “All ethnic groups are equal; no discrimination.”

Evidence: Targeted arrests and suppression of Khmer-Krom religious and cultural expression.

Viet Nam’s reply asserts that “all ethnic groups and religions are equal and respected” and that acts of discrimination are “strictly prohibited by law”.

However, the UN Joint Communication AL VNM 5/2025 documents 17 named Khmer-Krom monks and activists who were detained or sentenced between 2023 and 2025 for activities that were peaceful, cultural, or religious in nature.

  • Venerable Thach Chanh Da Ra, abbot of Tro Nom Sek Temple, was sentenced to six years for sharing information about the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and using social media to condemn religious oppression.
  • Thach Cuong, To Hoang Chuong, Danh Minh Quang, and others were sentenced to two to four years for advocating their indigenous and religious rights.
  • Venerable Kim Som Rinh, Thach Xuan Dong, and Thach Nga remain detained without access to legal counsel.

These cases do not stem from “criminal conduct” but from peaceful expressions of cultural identity, protected under Articles 18, 19, and 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Viet Nam is a party.

2. “No one is punished for religious activity; only for abusing freedoms.”

Evidence: Pattern of prosecution under Article 331 and denial of due process.

Viet Nam claims that arrests are based solely on “clear evidence and specific acts constituting criminal offences” and not related to ethnicity or religion.

In practice, charges such as Article 331 (“abusing democratic freedoms”) and Article 380 (“failure to serve a judgment”) have been repeatedly applied against Khmer-Krom monks and activists for nonviolent expression.

These provisions are vague and overbroad, enabling authorities to criminalize speech and religious activities protected under international law.

Court records show multiple closed-door trials conducted without defense counsel or public access — in direct violation of Articles 9 and 14 of the ICCPR, as noted by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in Opinion No. 30/2025.

3. “We don’t use the term ‘Indigenous Peoples.’“

Legal Response: Recognition of Indigenous rights does not depend on State terminology.

Viet Nam’s claim that it “does not use the term ‘indigenous peoples'” because it is “inconsistent with [its] historical formation” is inconsistent with international human rights standards.

The UN Special Rapporteurs on Indigenous Peoples, Freedom of Religion or Belief, and Minority Issues have repeatedly affirmed that the Khmer-Krom meet the criteria of Indigenous Peoples under international law—possessing distinct cultural, linguistic, and spiritual identity tied to ancestral lands.

Refusing the label “Indigenous” does not absolve Viet Nam of its obligations under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), particularly Articles 8 (protection against forced assimilation), 11 (cultural heritage), and 12 (freedom of religion).

4. “Our policies ensure equality and socio-economic development.”

Evidence: Cultural assimilation, surveillance, and structural exclusion.

While Viet Nam highlights national programs for “ethnic minority development”, Khmer-Krom communities remain systematically excluded from decision-making and cultural autonomy.

In reality:

  • Khmer-language education is restricted to the limited state curricula; independent teaching is prohibited.
  • Theravada Buddhist temples are forced under the control of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, denying Khmer-Krom Buddhists the ability to self-govern their religious affairs.
  • Peaceful events commemorating UN Human Rights Day or UNDRIP anniversaries have been disrupted by local police.

These actions contradict Viet Nam’s assertions of “unity” and demonstrate the continued denial of equal participation in civic and cultural life.

5. “Our actions are consistent with UNDRIP Article 46 on territorial integrity.”

Clarification: Khmer-Krom advocacy is for rights, not secession.

KKF emphasizes that its advocacy strictly adheres to UNDRIP Article 46, which safeguards territorial integrity.

Neither KKF nor the individuals named in the Joint Allegation Letter have called for separatism. Our efforts focus solely on ensuring the Khmer-Krom’s cultural survival, linguistic rights, and freedom of religion within Viet Nam’s existing sovereignty.

The UN letter itself confirms that these cases concern peaceful exercises of internationally protected rights, not threats to national unity.

6. Our Call to the United Nations and the International Community

We respectfully urge the United Nations, its Member States, and the broader international community to take concrete actions that reflect the principles of accountability and human dignity. Specifically, we call on all relevant partners to:

  • Recognize the urgent need to address the factual gaps and contradictions in Viet Nam’s official response. We request immediate, verifiable updates on the condition and whereabouts of detained Khmer-Krom monks and activists. Facilitate independent and monitored access to trials, detention centers, and affected communities for UN Special Procedures and international observers.
  • Advocate for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals detained solely for peacefully exercising their cultural, religious, and linguistic rights.
  • Encourage constructive engagement between Viet Nam and Khmer-Krom civil society representatives, including the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation, to support dialogue based on truth and mutual respect.
  • Urge Viet Nam to implement the recommendations of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the CERD Committee in full, ensuring meaningful legal and policy reforms that uphold international human rights standards.