West OC Times

Six months after urging the U.S. State Department to designate Vietnam as a Country of Particular Concern due to ongoing religious persecution, Rep. Michelle Steel has criticized the Biden Administration for its continued inaction on the issue.

Steel initially called for the designation on March 6, 2024, citing increased detainment of prisoners of conscience by the Communist Party of Vietnam. She reiterated her call in June following the mysterious disappearance of Independent Buddhist monk Thich Minh Tue, who went missing after leading a months-long pilgrimage. Reports indicated that Vietnamese authorities arrested him and his followers during a nighttime raid.

In response to Steel's concerns, the Biden Administration stated they had “closely followed Thich Minh Tue’s inspirational pilgrimage” and expressed concern about the state of religious freedom in Vietnam. However, they maintained their stance against labeling Vietnam as a nation engaged in serious violations of religious freedom.

“The Biden Administration’s lack of action against Vietnam’s religious persecution is actively empowering repressive governments across the globe. Like on many other issues, the Biden Administration is all talk and no action on human rights,” said Rep. Michelle Steel, who represents the largest population of Vietnamese outside Vietnam.

The Country of Particular Concern label is assigned by the Secretary of State to nations committing severe violations of religious freedom. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has consistently recommended that Vietnam be included on this list, which could lead to increased oversight and potential sanctions.

“If the Biden Administration really cared about human rights, they would move swiftly to label Vietnam as a Country of Particular Concern. On behalf of my Vietnamese American constituents and those suffering under communist rule, I will continue pressuring the Biden Administration to defend free expression and worship in Vietnam,” Rep. Steel added.

Rep. Steel represents parts of Orange County and Los Angeles County, including Little Saigon, which hosts the largest population of Vietnamese outside Vietnam.

###