BACKGROUND
By the 1990s, it was becoming increasingly clear that human rights violations in Vietnam continued unchecked. Despite the efforts of activists worldwide, it became apparent that a unified front was needed if future strides were to be made. To fulfill that need, an international consortium of human rights activists was convened in Santa Ana, California in November 1997 with the purpose of establishing an organizational network
- To increase the efficiency and effectiveness of human rights activities worldwide by facilitating the coordination of Vietnamese activists and organizations.
- To recruit nations, media outlets, and sister organizations to promote the improvement of human rights throughout the world.
- To increase the general public’s awareness of human rights violations in Vietnam.
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote human rights, civil liberties and all other basic freedoms entitled to all Vietnamese citizens set forth by the United Nations in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and subsequent international human rights instruments.
STRATEGIES
To achieve its mission, the VNHRN maximizes the use of modern communication facilities such as the Internet to swiftly and effectively disseminate information to Vietnam. In addition to elevating the people’s awareness and understanding of human rights and democratic issues, effective communication is vital for the coordination of VNHRN. Within this network, all members are entirely equal and ready to support common activities while still maintaining their own organizations and independent activities.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Collaborated with American, Chinese, Burmese, and Tibetan human rights groups as well as international organizations such as The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders, etc.
Participated in the Human Rights Day for Vietnam at the U.S. Senate each year since 1998 and collaborated with the U.S. Congress for improvement of human rights in Vietnam.
Met with President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney at the White House to advocate for human rights in Vietnam. (May 29, 2007)
Met with Head of the Human Rights Unit European Parliament on May 6, 2008 to promote human rights for Vietnamese people.
Participated in the 2000 United Nations Millennium Forum in New York, the 2001 International Conference for Human Rights in Holland and the 2004 World Forum for Democratization in Asia (Taipei, Taiwan).
Organized seminars and conferences on human rights in Montreal (Canada), Melbourne and Sydney (Australia), Munich (Germany), Washington, DC, New York (NY), Orlando (FL), New Orleans (LA), Westminster, Garden Grove, Los Angeles, San Jose and San Diego (CA), Seattle and Tacoma (WA), Denver (CO), etc.
Established a website for the rapid and convenient dispersal of information (http://www.vietnamhumanrights.net).
Published the Human Rights Newsletter.
Translated and published The International Bill of Human Rights and Voices from Vietnam for Human Rights (Những Tiếng Nói Quốc Nội Đòi Nhân Quyền) for distribution in Vietnam and overseas.
Organized the Vietnam Human Rights Congress in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009.
Presented the Vietnam Human Rights Award to prominent human rights activists in Vietnam each year since 2002.
Provided financial and medical assistance to human rights activists persecuted by the Vietnamese government.
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT
All organizations and individuals are welcome to join VNHRN in our struggle for human rights in Vietnam. VNHRN is a non-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible.
COORDINATION COMMITTEE
Chair: Dr. Nguyễn Bá Tùng
Chair Assistants : Mr.Nguyễn Thanh Trang
Mr. Lê Minh Nguyên
Vice Chairs:
Dr. Lâm Thu Vân, In charge of Canada
Mrs. Jackie Bông Wright, Liaison with US Government
Mr. Đoàn Việt Trung, In charge of Australia
Mrs. Quản Mỹ Lan: Representative in Europe
Lawyer Đoàn Thanh Liêm: Liaison with NGOs
General Secretary: Mr.Nguyễn Kim Bình
Treasurer: Mr.Nguyễn Quang Huy
Permanent Committee Members:
Mr. Nguyễn Ngọc Anh, Dr. Nguyễn Tiến Cảnh. Mr. Trần Minh Công, Mr. Đoàn Thế Cường, Mr. Tôn Thất Dziên, Ms. Nguyên Dung, Mr. Ngô Văn Hiếu, Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Hồng Liên, Mr. Nguyễn Ngọc Quỳnh, Mr. Huỳnh Lương Thiện, Ms. Đỗ Thị Thuấn, Mr. Chu Bá Yến,
SUPERVISORY BOARD
Chair: Dr. Nguyễn Văn Đức
Members: Mr. Đỗ Như Điện
& Mr. Đỗ Anh Tài
ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Nguyễn Tường Bách, Prof. Nguyễn Ngọc Bích, Mr. Nguyễn Minh Cần, Lawyer Trần Thanh Hiệp, Dr. Đoàn Viết Hoạt, Rev. Nguyễn Hữu Lễ, Mr. Phạm Ngọc Lũy, Dr. Nguyễn Quốc Quân, Poet Nguyễn Chí Thiện, Lawyer Nguyễn Hữu Thống, Dr.Nguyễn Văn Trần, Lawyer Lâm Lễ Trinh.
MAIN OFFICE
Vietnam Human Rights Network
14550 Magnolia St., Suite 203
Westminster, CA 92683
U.S.A.
Tel.: (714) 897-1950 & (714) 657-9488
Email: vnhrnet@vietnamhumanrights.net
Website: wwvv.vietnamhumanrights.net
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 385
Midway City, CA 92655
USA
