The Vietnamese communist government must stop ignoring the rights of Khmer-Krom people. After two weeks at this year’s Permanent Forum from 14/ May/ 07 to 25/ May/ 07, we have heard how the Vietnamese government wants the world to know it position in regards to it human rights record. The VN representative, Mr. Nguyen Tat Thanh said to the Permanent Forum that the KKF and Montagnard Foundation were “spreading false information”. He also mentioned to Mr. Stevanhagan, UN Special Rapporteur on Fundamental Freedoms and Rights, that the information on his report on Asia, in particular to Vietnam were false. In response, Mr. Stavangagen stated that he did not think that all the information he received were false and that he has sent letters to the Vietnam detailing the human rights violations reported but to this day has received no response from the government. He urged the government to reply detailing their version of the events. Mrs. Vicktoria Tauli Corpuz also added that the Permanent Forum provides a great opportunity for governments and indigenous organization to have dialogue and has urged Vietnam to find possible solution enable such dialogue to take place with KKF and Montagnards in the future so that interests of indigenous peoples are well represented. We would like to say thank you to the Permanent Forum for their work. I believe that if we didn’t have this forum, Khmer-Krom and other indigenous would not be here to present their voices. Disturbingly however, the VN continues to shamelessly request the Permanent Forum to stop the screening of Khmer-Krom film at the special side event on the 23/ 05/ 07. The Vietnam government is afraid of showing the world how bad its records are. As we have mention earlier, Vietnam is afraid of the truth. If we, as Khmer-Krom keep telling the truth, one day our suffering will end. “Wasn’t the Vietnam touched by this film? Will Vietnam be willing to tell the truth and creating dialogue to solve these serious issues with KKF and Montagnard? In various reports, VN is conducting plans to eliminate other ethnic peoples to fulfill their dream, “eliminated ethnic means no discrimination or no human tights violation”. When they defrocked our monk, it was an attempt to eliminate our civilization, culture and tradition. They know well that the temple is our living centre and that our monks are our warriors. In attempt to suppress any opposing opinions, the VN tried to critise the Forum, even the Special Rapporteur. “Why is the Vietnam communist government depriving Khmer-Krom of what we are entitled to under the Universal Human Rights and Freedom?” Khmer-Krom people are the people of this land and they deserve more respect than they have been getting from this communist government since its occupation since the 1600s. It’s clear that there is only one solution; the communist government must create a dialogue with KKF and Montagnard rather than continue denying the truth or hiding it beneath a bed of lies. The Vietnam representative accused us of creating a separate group that tried to separate the country. Who is the separatist and who really separates us? We will not go any where, move any where. We own this land, our culture, tradition, civilization carry on for thousand of year on this land. The world knows and the Vietnam knows. “Kampuchea Krom is our homeland and we always are there” T.Thach
