Canada Urged to Press Vietnam on Rights During 2026 Summit
Human Rights Watch urges Canadian leaders to link trade relations to Vietnam's release of political prisoners during upcoming diplomatic talks.
Key points
- Human Rights Watch urges Canada to link trade relations to Vietnam's release of over 160 political prisoners.
- Vietnam has not ratified a promised labor convention by the January 2024 deadline set in bilateral agreements.
- At least 28 activists were sentenced to prison terms in Vietnam during the first nine months of 2026.
Human Rights Watch urged Canadian leaders to address Vietnam's human rights record. This call coincides with President To Lam's scheduled visit to Ottawa on September 24, 2026.
The organization sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Louise Arbour on September 22. It argues that recent agreements have not led to the promised improvements in civil liberties.
Alleged failures in promised legal reforms
According to the report, Vietnam has not fully implemented legal changes promised in trade deals. A key pledge was to ratify an international labor convention by January 2024.
The group states that the Vietnamese government has intensified restrictions on speech and association. These actions are said to contradict previous commitments made to Canadian officials.
Detention of activists and journalists
The report cites figures showing more than 160 political prisoners are currently held. In the first nine months of 2026, courts sentenced at least 28 activists.
Police arrested another 39 individuals for criticizing the government or joining disfavored groups. Named cases include writers, journalists, and labor activists facing long prison terms.
Diplomatic leverage and trade implications
Human Rights Watch advises Canadian leaders to make their concerns public. They suggest that failing to adopt reforms will damage the bilateral relationship and trade.
Patricia Gossman, a senior director, called for the immediate release of all detainees. She believes this action would send a strong message to other nations dealing with Hanoi.
