It is necessary to clearly identify and resolutely counter these new ploys and old tactics on both theoretical and practical grounds, thereby contributing to firmly safeguarding national prestige and the objective truth about the human rights situation in Viet Nam.
Recently, BPSOS, led by Nguyen Dinh Thang, drafted and disseminated a so-called “petition” addressed to the US Department of State, falsely accusing Viet Nam of human rights violations, calling for sanctions and urging the inclusion of Viet Nam on the list of “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) regarding religious freedom. Nguyen Dinh Thang claimed to have mobilised 18 international organisations and 30 individuals to sign the “petition”. This is a “familiar script” repeatedly employed over many years by certain extremist organisations and individuals overseas, including BPSOS, often intensifying around major national political events such as elections, Party congresses or significant national holidays.
It can be seen that Nguyen Dinh Thang’s claim of mobilising signatures is essentially a tactic to fabricate “false legitimacy” aimed at misleading international public opinion. In reality, many experts in international relations and human rights have pointed out that such petitions often lack verifiable foundations, relying on one-sided or even distorted information. Dr Carlyle A. Thayer, a Viet Nam studies expert at the Australian Defence Force Academy under the University of New South Wales, once noted that human rights allegations against Viet Nam from certain exile organisations fail to fully reflect the country’s historical, cultural and developmental context, and therefore lack objectivity and scientific basis.
According to official records, BPSOS has links with the organisation “Montagnard Stand for Justice” (MSFJ), which was designated as a terrorist organisation by Viet Nam’s Ministry of Public Security following a serious incident in Dak Lak in June 2023. This connection shows that exploiting the banner of “human rights” to conceal and abet subversive activities, even those involving violence and terrorism, is no longer merely a matter of opinion or perception, but constitutes serious violations of the law that threaten security and social order.
However, it must be clearly recognised that all distorted narratives, regardless of how they are presented, cannot negate Viet Nam’s achievements in ensuring and promoting human rights.
As early as 1919, at Versailles (1919–1920), France, Nguyen Ai Quoc, on behalf of the Vietnamese people, presented the “Demands of the Annamite People”, which directly addressed fundamental freedoms and democratic rights. These ideas were later institutionalised in the 1945 Declaration of Independence and the 1946 Constitution, the first Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, clearly affirming the principle that all power belongs to the people, regardless of class, religion or gender.
Throughout historical periods, from the struggle for national liberation to the building and defence of the country, the consistent viewpoint of the Party and the State of Viet Nam has been to place people at the centre of all development policies.
The documents of the 14th National Party Congress on protecting and implementing human rights reflect the Party’s consistent stance that all policies of the Party and the State must genuinely stem from the needs, aspirations, and legitimate rights and interests of the people; and that respect for, protection and promotion of human rights and citizens’ rights, as well as the happiness and satisfaction of the people, should serve as the benchmark and goal.
More than 40 years of Doi Moi have provided vivid and convincing evidence: from a poor country heavily devastated by war, Viet Nam has risen to become a middle-income country with stable economic growth and continuously improving living standards.
According to the United Nations Development Programme, Viet Nam’s Human Development Index (HDI) has steadily increased to 0.766, placing it among countries with high human development. The World Happiness Report 2025 also ranks Viet Nam 46th out of 143 countries, marking a significant improvement compared to previous years.
Notably, Viet Nam’s election as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2023–2025 term, and its re-election for the 2026–2028 term with a high number of votes (180/190), is clear evidence of the international community’s trust.
This reflects not only recognition of domestic efforts but also an assessment of Viet Nam’s role, responsibility and positive contributions to promoting human rights initiatives at both regional and global levels.
In the legal sphere, the 2013 Constitution and related laws have increasingly fully codified civil, political, economic, cultural and social rights, while also establishing more effective mechanisms for their protection.
National target programmes on sustainable poverty reduction, new rural development, social security, healthcare and education all aim to improve people’s quality of life, ensuring that no one is left behind.
From an international perspective, Viet Nam is an active member of most core international human rights conventions, while seriously fulfilling its periodic reporting obligations and participating in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. Relevant recommendations are accepted and implemented responsibly in line with national conditions.
The arguments in the so-called “petition” by Nguyen Dinh Thang and BPSOS not only lack a factual basis but also run counter to the current global trend of constructive cooperation and dialogue on human rights. The exploitation of human rights issues for political pressure not only proves ineffective but also erodes trust and hinders cooperation among nations.
In the context of deep international integration, Viet Nam consistently advocates open dialogue and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
All differences should be addressed candidly, based on understanding and respect for each country’s specific circumstances. This principle is also enshrined in the United Nations Charter and international norms. Identifying and exposing the distortions of BPSOS is not only an immediate requirement but also a long-term task in safeguarding the Party’s ideological foundation, strengthening public trust, enhancing social consensus and affirming Viet Nam’s position in the international arena.
