KKFYC CONDEMNS THE INTIMIDATION OF KHMER-KROM YOUTHS BY VIETNAMESE POLICE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
“Indigenous peoples have the right to practice and revitalize their cultural traditions and customs. This includes the right to maintain, protect and develop the past, present and future manifestations of their cultures, such as archaeological and historical sites, artifacts, designs, ceremonies, technologies and visual and performing arts and literature.” – Article 11, UNDRIP
2 June 2017
In response to the recent intimidation and second summon of indigenous Khmer-Krom youths by local Vietnamese authority in Preah Trapeang (Travinh) province, Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation Youth Committee (KKFYC) condemns this outright violation of Khmer-Krom rights by the local Vietnamese government at Srok Merong Thmey, Travinh province.
We ask that the Vietnamese government take appropriate measure to educate and share with the local government the constitution of Vietnam with regards to rights of indigenous and ethnic minorities to self-identify, express, and preserve their unique cultural identity.
Reminding also that Vietnam has moral obligation under its adoption of the UNDRIP to help protect indigenous people, their culture and identity. Recall that in the UNPFII 16th session, the theme of the forum which Vietnam had its presence in, was the 10 years anniversary of the adoption of UNDRIP and its implementations. Out of that forum the KKFYC, an international youth advocacy association for the promotion of indigenous rights, had designed a t-shirt to promote the declaration of UNDRIP – in line with the goals of the 16th session UNPFII and in the spirit of UNDRIP which Vietnam has adopted.
The Khmer-Krom youths from Vietnam, having seen the t-shirt that promote their indigenous identity, took it to print and distribute amongst themselves. Instead of applauding the initiatives of indigenous youths to promote and share the UNDRIP, which the government has moral obligation to do own its own, it has instead chosen to punish these youths through police summons and intimidations.
KKFYC asked that the Vietnamese government address these local intimidations and begin to take part in helping to promote and share the UNDRIP for all its indigenous people, to help translate and share the UNDRIP in all their native languages.
KKFYC will continue to closely monitor the situation and demand for prompt resolution through the respect and recognition of indigenous rights by all levels of government within Vietnam.
KKFYC,
North America – Europe – Australia – Asia
contact: kkfyc.group@gmail.com | info@kkfyc.org
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