West OC Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - With increasing religious persecution by the Communist Party of Vietnam, Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-45) is again calling on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to designate Vietnam as a Country of Particular Concern. The designation is reserved for nations with severe violations of religious freedom covered by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) and could lead to economic sanctions.

Rep. Steel originally urged Secretary Blinken to classify Vietnam as a Country of Particular Concern in March and is re-upping her request in light of the recent disappearance of Buddhist leader Thich Minh Tue. Thich Minh Tue went missing after leading a months-long pilgrimage during which Vietnam’s Communist authorities arrested him and his followers during a nighttime raid. Thich Minh Tue is not a member of the official, state-sanctioned Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS).

“The Communist Party of Vietnam is mirroring the oppressive tactics of Communist China with its chilling crackdown on religious expression,” said Rep. Michelle Steel, who represents the largest population of Vietnamese anywhere outside Vietnam. “The treatment of Thich Minh Tue and his followers is indefensible and wrong. America has a moral obligation to stand up for religious freedoms worldwide, and Secretary Blinken should put the full power of the State Department behind fighting religious persecution in Vietnam.”

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has consistently recommended that Vietnam be designated as a Country of Particular Concern. Other Countries of Particular Concern include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

According to the U.S. Department of State, Vietnamese officials arbitrarily detain individuals because of their religious beliefs, in addition to requiring religious communities to register their organizations and houses of worship with the government.

Steel’s letter to Secretary Blinken can be viewed here.

Background

Rep. Steel represents parts of Los Angeles County and Orange County, including the Little Saigon community, which is the largest population of Vietnamese anywhere outside Vietnam. During her tenure in Congress, Rep. Steel has consistently worked to support and honor the Vietnamese Community by:

Introducing a bipartisan resolution to condemn the Vietnamese government’s human rights abuses, including the imprisonment of peaceful protesters and assault on freedom of expression and speech.

Authoring “Black April” resolutions each year (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021) to commemorate the tragic Fall of Saigon, honor lives lost, and stand with the Vietnamese community.

Condemning the LA Board of Supervisor’s designation of April 30th as “Jane Fonda Day,” disrespecting decades-long Vietnamese American tradition.

Introducing legislation to rename the U.S. Post Office in Westminster, CA as the “Little Saigon Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Post Office.”

Co-chairing Congressional Vietnam Caucus and Victims Of Communism Caucus.

Meeting with families journalists prisoners conscience in Vietnam.

Urging Administration officials including President Biden Vice President Harris Secretary State Blinken Ambassador Mark Knapper get tough on Vietnamese officials violating human rights.

Introducing bipartisan Honor Our Commitment Act prevent deportation Vietnamese refugees.

Calling attention urging restoration distressing conditions sacred cemetery South Vietnamese soldiers.