CSW’s research and the new report by CAT-VN entitled ‘Torture and Abuse of Political and Religious Prisoners in Vietnam’ find that the torture of prisoners, and in particular religious and political prisoners, is still prevalent in police stations and check points, prisons and other places of detention across the country. In 2013, several incidences of torture of persons detained in connection with their religion or belief resulted in their death in police custody. In many cases, victims of torture were forced to flee to other parts of the country, or to neighbouring countries.
Furthermore, the detention and torture of religious leaders and political activists is used not only to limit their activities, but also to intimidate their communities. The effects of torture and cruel or degrading treatment are never limited to the individual victim; the impact on their communities, and the wider society, cannot be underestimated.
Vietnam’s election to the UN Human Rights Council and its signing of the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and Punishment in November 2013 is an opportunity for the government to take steps to challenge practices and reform regulations which allow or perpetuate torture. We sincerely hope that the authorities will use this opportunity to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which Vietnam is a party.
