In response to joint statement made by Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation (KKF) and the Montagnard Foundation, Permanent Mission of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam representative has given a speech to the Permanent Forum on Monday 28th April 2008 during the special item on Human rights: dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people and other special rapporteurs.
“The work of the PFII should be based on accurate information. Unfortunately, it has not been provided,” stated the Vietnam government representative.
“We strongly object to the participation of the KKF who are based outside Vietnam and try to claim representation. The information provided cannot be seen as objective and relevant.”
“The participation [of KKF and the Montagnard Foundation] only creates distraction that could have been offered to indigenous peoples around the world, PFII members,” says Vietnam government representative.
For over 4 years, Vietnam government has reaffirmed that KKF and the Montagnard Foundation should not be given the right to speak about Vietnam, claiming that the above indigenous organisation bring false information to the Permanent Forum.
This year, Vietnam states that such organisations are only creating a distraction to the Permanent Members.
If KKF does not bring the issue of Khmer Krom to the Permanent Forum, will Vietnam really do so?
Full speech by Vietnam representative is currently unavailable. It does not openly distribute its statement like most democratic governments however; KKN will endeavour to obtain the full speech in the next few days.