Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Michelle Steel (CA-48)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter to President Biden ahead of his Wednesday meeting with Vietnam’s president and ruling Communist Party chief, Congresswoman Michelle Steel called on the President to directly address worsening human rights abuses in Vietnam under To Lam’s leadership.
“Regretfully, this week you will be giving the enormous platform of a presidential meeting to Vietnam’s President and ruling Communist Party Chief, To Lam. During your sit down at the UN, it is crucial that you stop paying lip service to human rights and instead directly address the persecution that has defined To Lam’s leadership in Vietnam,” wrote Steel, who represents the Little Saigon community of Orange County that his home to a large population of Vietnamese Americans.
Steel’s letter noted that during the meeting, Biden must pressure To Lam to:
- Release all prisoners of conscience.
- End the persecution of Vietnamese human rights defenders, activists, and government critics.
- Respect all religious minorities and hold accountable Vietnamese authorities who imprison individuals based on religious beliefs.
Steel also noted that the Biden-Harris Administration’s recent engagement with Vietnam has done nothing to slow the suppression of free speech and religious persecution on To Lam’s watch. Prior to his current head of state role, To Lam served as the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security.
“As the Biden Harris Administration attempts to promote closer ties with Vietnam, To Lam’s rise to power has coincided with a significant increase in human rights abuses by the Vietnamese authorities on its own citizens. This includes scores of human rights activists and independent journalists…who all face lengthy prison sentences for voicing their opinions about the Communist Party of Vietnam,” Steel added.
Steel’s letter can be viewed here.
Rep. Steel represents parts of Orange County and Los Angeles County, including the Little Saigon community which has the largest population of Vietnamese anywhere outside of Vietnam.
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