Australia-Vietnam 2018 Human Rights Dialogue: Civil Society Consultation
The Law Council of Australia thanks the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for the opportunity to participate in civil society consultations for the 15th Australia-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue. The Law Council encourages DFAT to continue to support annual Human Rights Dialogues with Vietnam and to continue to make representations to ensure that respect for the rule of law and human rights are improved in Vietnam.
In making this submission, the Law Council reiterates its ongoing concerns about rule of law, freedom of expression and the realisation of human rights in Vietnam. These concerns have been summarised in submissions made by the Law Council to DFAT in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The Law Council is not aware of any significant changes to indicate that these concerns are no longer current. In the absence of a meaningful space for domestic scrutiny of government policies, it is especially important that Vietnam is encouraged to increase its engagement with international partners, UN treaty bodies and Special Rapporteurs.
You can read the full submission below.