Vietnam Faces International Scrutiny Over Human Rights and Civil Liberties

The United Nations Human Rights Committee conducted a periodic review of Vietnam in July 2025 to assess the country's implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This review comes as international observers and human rights organizations report a significant tightening of control over civil and political freedoms within the nation. The government of Vietnam continues to face criticism for its use of national security laws to prosecute activists, journalists, and bloggers. Vietnamese authorities frequently utilize specific articles of the penal code to target individuals who express criticism of the government or the Communist Party. Article 117, which covers anti-state propaganda, and Article 331, which relates to infringing on state interests, are commonly cited in these legal proceedings. Human Rights Watch noted that between 2018 and early 2025, courts convicted over 120 people under Article 331 alone, marking a sharp increase from previous years. Civil society organizations are also facing new regulatory hurdles that limit their ability to operate independently. Decree 126, which took effect in late 2024, imposes stricter rules on the formation of associations and grants the government broad authority to monitor their activities. These measures include restrictions on receiving funding from outside the country and requirements for government approval to disband or cease operations. Digital rights have been further impacted by the implementation of Decree 147, which regulates internet services and online information. This decree requires technology companies to verify user identities, store data, and remove content that authorities deem illegal or a violation of national security. Critics argue that such policies encourage self-censorship among citizens who fear potential legal repercussions for their online activity. Labor rights remain a point of contention as well, with the government maintaining that all unions must be affiliated with state-sanctioned organizations. Independent labor unions are not permitted to operate, which complicates the ability of workers to engage in collective bargaining. The United States Department of Commerce has held public hearings regarding Vietnam's trade status, citing concerns over the lack of independent labor representation. Ethnic minority groups, including the Khmer-Krom in the Mekong Delta, report systemic discrimination and restrictions on their rights. The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization submitted a report to the UN committee detailing how these communities face challenges regarding land rights and the preservation of their cultural identity. The government labels these groups as ethnic minorities rather than recognizing them as Indigenous, which impacts their access to specific protections. Political dissidents often face long prison sentences following trials that international observers describe as lacking due process. In some instances, individuals have been charged with new offenses while already serving time for previous convictions. The 88 Project, a human rights organization, has documented hundreds of cases involving prisoners of conscience who were detained for peaceful activities. Government officials in Vietnam have defended their legal framework as necessary for maintaining national security and social stability. During the UN review process, representatives from the government addressed various recommendations regarding the reform of laws that impact civil liberties. However, the state has rejected a significant number of international recommendations aimed at ensuring broader freedom of expression and association. Detention conditions for political prisoners have also drawn concern from international experts. Reports from various NGOs suggest that detainees have faced instances of mistreatment during their time in custody. The government has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that its judicial processes are conducted in accordance with national law. As the international community continues to monitor the situation, the focus remains on whether Vietnam will adjust its approach to civil society and dissent. The UN Human Rights Committee is expected to follow up on the implementation of its recommendations in the coming years. For now, the tension between state security policies and the protection of fundamental human rights remains a central issue in the country's domestic and international relations.