Vietnam will assume the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2010. As a member of this organization it is expected that the member countries will comply with the fundamental principles of ASEAN which are set out in its Charter:
* Promoting regional peace and identity, peaceful settlements of disputes through dialogue and consultation, and the renunciation of aggression.
* Upholding international law with respect to human rights, social justice and multilateral trade.
* Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner (1976)
The Bat Nha Monastery, in the Lam Dong province, has been attacked and destroyed, and aggression and violence have been used to evict 400 peaceful Monks and Nuns who are now taking refuge in Phuoc Hue Pagoda. Authorities continue to put pressure on them through intimidation, threats and public false denunciation.
This is in contradiction of international law. It ignores human rights and social justice stated as one of the principles of ASEAN.
We urge the Vietnamese Government to stop discriminating and ensure that these 400 monastics at Bat Nha Monastery are allowed to live together and practise in peace as law abiding Vietnamese citizens.
We call on the current Chairman of ASEAN, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva, to initiate a re-evaluation of the appointment of Vietnam to the position of Chair 2010, in view of the Vietnamese Government's failure to protect the basic rights of innocent Vietnamese citizens.
We ask for ASEAN influence to ensure that these 400 monastics be offered every assistance. They have been targeted merely for practicing their beliefs and now need help in terms of security of accommodation, freedom from harassment and freedom to practise their religious beliefs without persecution.
For the latest report on Bat Nha please see http://helpbatnha.org/
We have faith that ASEAN have the power to reduce the violence that is happening right now and restore peace. 