On 18 July 2025 the UN Human Rights Committee finished its review of Vietnam under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and put a word to what Dega churches have described for years: systematic.
Body UN Human Rights Committee (ICCPR)
Occasion Review of Vietnam's fourth periodic report
Date 18 July 2025
Finding Concern at systematic repression of religious minorities worshipping outside State-recognised organisations
Where things stand
Vietnam is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and every few years it must answer to the Committee that oversees it. On 18 July 2025 the Committee concluded its review of Vietnam’s fourth periodic report.
The Committee recorded its concern at the systematic repression of religious minorities who practise their faith outside State-recognised religious organisations. It also recommended that Vietnam address restrictions on minority religious organisations, and remove overbroad tax provisions used against associations of ethnic and religious minorities.
What we are reporting, and what we are not
This is a matter of public record: the review took place and the Committee published its concerns. What we cannot tell you is what it changed. A treaty body makes findings; it has no power to open a cell door in Gia Lai or register a church in Dak Lak.
Why it matters
Our churches have been told for twenty years that each arrest is an isolated matter of law and order. The Committee’s word for it was systematic. That is the difference between a complaint and a finding, and it is the language a future tribunal would start from.
Sources
If you can add to this
If you know this case, or your family or church has been affected in the same way, please contact the Dega Central Highlands Organization.
