Madam Speaker. I urge adoption of the resolution before us today which addresses the still unresolved issue of Vietnamese reeducation camp prisoners. Senate Concurrent Resolution 16. as amended. calls on the Vietnamese Government to expedite the release and emigration of these prisoners. Since 1975. marking the end of the Vietnam war. the Communist government in Vietnam has regularly imprisoned perceived political opponents. including former Republic of Vietnam Government personnel as well as private citizens. Due process is denied. many are detained without trial. some have served in the infamous "reeducation" camps. and some still languish in prison 14 years later. Last July the Government of Vietnam suspended negotiations with the United States on the emigration of Vietnamese in reeducation camps. Before Vietnam withdrew from the talks. they agreed in principle to process released detainees and their familie. for emigration to the United States. The Government of Vietnam needs to be given the signal that this issue has not been put to rest by the United States and is key to any normalization of ties between our two countries. If Vietnam wishes to establish economic and diplomatic ties with the United States and become an accepted member of the international community. they must adhere to. and demonstrate respect for. internationally recognized standards of human rights.
Keywords matched
emigration