MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Human rights situation in Vietnam, in particular the case of human rights journalists Pham Chi Dung, Nguyen Tuong Thuy and Le Huu Minh Tuan

B9‑0082/2021

European Parliament resolution on Human rights situation in Vietnam, in particular the case of human rights journalists Pham Chi Dung, Nguyen Tuong Thuy and Le Huu Minh Tuan

(2021/2507(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation in Vietnam, notably of the one of 14 November 2018 on the situation of political prisoners and especially of those of 14 December 2017 on freedom of expression in Vietnam, notably the case of Nguyen Van Hoa[1], and of 9 June 2016 on Vietnam[2], in particular regarding freedom of expression,

- having regard to the EU-Vietnam Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed on 27 June   2012, which entered into force in October 2016,

  - having regard to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, which entered into force on August 1, 2020,

- having regard to the statements by the Spokesperson of the EEAS of 6 January 2021 on the sentencing of the three human rights journalists Pham Chi Dung, Nguyen Tuong Thuy and Le Huu Minh Tuan,

- having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948,

- having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Vietnam acceded in 1982,

- having regard to Rules 144(5) and 132(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

1. whereas Vietnam is a strategic partner for the European Union, and whereas the EU and Vietnam share a common agenda, namely to stimulate growth and employment, improve competitiveness, fight poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as a strong commitment to open, rules-based trade and to the multilateral trading system;
2. whereas a clear link exists between the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as well as the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) whereby both parties committed to fulfil their human rights obligations;
3. whereas the right to freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Vietnamese Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international conventions, which Vietnam has signed up to, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;
4. whereas, in the context of the Universal Periodic Review, Vietnam accepted recommendations to guarantee and lift restrictions on freedom of opinion and expression;
5. whereas Pham Chi Dung, Nguyen Tuong Thuy and Le Huu Minh Tuan, all of them members of the Independent Journalists´Association of Vietnam (IJAVN), a civil society organisation which promotes free speech, press freedom and freedom of association, have been sentenced to at least 11 years in prison in January 2021.

1. Calls for immediately and unconditionally release of Pham Chi Dung, Nguyen Tuong Thuy and Le Huu Minh Tuan and all prisoners detained solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression and other human rights;

2. Expresses its concern about the deteriorating situation of freedom of expression and human rights in Vietnam and calls upon the Vietnamese government to comply with all national and international legislation when it comes to the protection and advancement of freedom of expression and human rights;

3. Calls on the National Assembly of Vietnam to look carefully at the special cases of human rights journalists Pham Chi Dung, Nguyen Tuong Thuy and Le Huu Minh Tuan;

4. Reiterates its call on the Vietnamese authorities to end all restrictions on and acts of harassment against human rights journalists and to guarantee in all circumstances that they are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions including judicial harassment;

5. Welcomes the strengthened partnership and Human Rights Dialogue between the EU and Vietnam, especially the establishment of the EP Joint Parliamentary Monitoring Group (JPMG) with National Assembly of Vietnam to monitor implementation of the EU - Vietnam FTA and IPA, which could facilitate dialogue beyond trade; Recalls the importance of the Dialogue as a key instrument to be used in an efficient manner to accompany and encourage Vietnam for the implementation of the necessary reforms;

6. Expresses its concern about restrictions on freedom of religion in Vietnam and calls therefore on the Government of Vietnam to put an end to the harassment of religious communities and underlines that the Law on Belief and Religion from 2018 is incompatible with international norms;

7.  Calls for the Vietnamese Government, as an important EU partner, to commit to improving respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country, as it is a key foundation of the bilateral relations between Vietnam and the Union;

8.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the European External Action Service, and the Government and the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.