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Tag: International Women of Courage Award

  • LIV’s Trinh Huu Long and Pham Doan Trang in VICE: Vietnam Criticises ‘Inappropriate’ US Freedom Award for Jailed Journalist

    After the Vietnamese government’s pronouncements that Pham Doan Trang’s International Women of Courage Award was “unobjective” and “inappropriate,” Legal Initiatives for VIETNAM co-director Trinh Huu Long, a colleague of the famed dissident, thanks the United States for supporting Trang and other Vietnamese human defenders.

    • Title: Vietnam Criticises ‘Inappropriate’ US Freedom Award for Jailed Journalist
    • Publish Date: March 18, 2022
    • Publisher: VICE

    Excerpt:

    This week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced jailed Vietnamese dissident journalist Pham Doan Trang as a winner of the International Women of Courage prize—an annual award given by the Department of State to honor women advocating for human rights, peace, justice, and gender equity around the world.

    But the government of Vietnam—a communist-ruled one-party state—did not take kindly to the honor.

    At a press conference on Thursday, Vietnam’s foreign ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang responded to the U.S. giving Trang the courage award. Hang said the award was “unobjective” and “inappropriate” as Trang had broken Vietnamese law and been tried in court.

    The U.S. prize was “not conducive for the development of bilateral relations,” she said.

    Trang, who was arrested in October, was held without sentencing until late last year. On Dec. 14, a Hanoi court sentenced her to nine years’ imprisonment for spreading “anti-state propaganda.”

    The response showcases a sticking point between the two countries: human rights. Last year, Joe Biden’s administration said the U.S. relationship with Vietnam will remain limited until Hanoi cleans up its human rights record.

    Although the award has been critiqued by the government, Vietnamese activists celebrated the support given to Trang.

    “I thank the U.S. for standing with Trang and human rights defenders in Vietnam,” Trinh Huu Long, the co-founder of pro-democracy nonprofit Legal Initiatives for Vietnam, told VICE World News.

    “It is the Vietnamese government who consistently and systematically violates their own constitution and the international human rights treaties that they have ratified when [they] arrest and put people like Trang away for years.”

    Long met Trang at a 2011 protest in Hanoi during the summer known as Mùa Hè Đỏ Lửa or “The Flaming Summer”—a series of rallies protesting Chinese encroachment in the South China Sea. The two became friends and co-founded Legal Initiatives for Vietnam. Long is now based in Taiwan so he, unlike so many of Vietnam’s activists, can criticise the ruling communist party and not risk being jailed.

    Long said the Vietnamese constitution guarantees the right to free speech and political participation, but charging activists with anti-state propaganda is common.

    “It is a very common charge against journalists, activists, and dissidents in Vietnam,” he said. “There is no freedom of speech.”

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  • Pham Doan Trang in VOA Vietnamese Việt Nam: Mỹ trao giải thưởng cho Phạm Đoan Trang là ‘thiếu khách quan’

    Vietnam authorities detest Pham Doan Trang’s Courage award calling out the US for its lack of objectivity and inconsideration of the relationships between the two countries.  

    In a report from Human Rights Watch (HRW), Vietnam has imprisoned 146 human rights activists. The US State Department released a report last year stating Vietnam has “major human rights problems.”

    Excerpt:

    Note:  Original texts in Vietnamese.

    Responding to the event that the US awarded the “International Women of Courage” (IWOC) award to journalist Pham Doan Trang, the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam said that the US action was unobjective and not beneficial to the public’s interests. development of relations between the two countries.

    Earlier, on March 14, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted the awarding ceremony of the “International Women of Courage” award to independent journalist Pham Doan Trang in Vietnam and 11 other women around the world. The award aims to demonstrate their exceptional courage, strength and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights… despite the danger of their lives.

    In a video posted on the website of the US Embassy in Hanoi on the day of the award ceremony, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper described Pham Doan Trang as someone who “fearlessly pursues a global society”, greater representation and space for freedom of expression in Vietnam”.

    “We applaud you, Pham Doan Trang, for your work as a human rights activist. Your bravery continues to inspire people in Vietnam and around the world,” said the US diplomat, after he affirmed that “the United States values ​​our comprehensive partnership with Vietnam.” We work to help promote a strong, prosperous and independent Vietnam.”

    Journalist Pham Doan Trang is currently serving a 9-year prison sentence for “conducting propaganda against the state”, related to her articles and peacefully expressing opinions, the US State Department announced on 8 /3 said. She was arrested on October 6, 2020 and sentenced on December 14 last year.

    Pham Doan Trang is the third woman in Vietnam to be awarded the International Women of Courage Award by the United States. Before that, blogger Mother Mushroom (Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh) was awarded this award in 2017, and Blogger Ta Phong Tan was awarded in 2013. All three were sentenced to many years in prison by the Vietnamese government for the charge of “Propaganda” against the State”, according to Article 88 of the 1999 Penal Code.

    According to the International Human Rights Watch (HRW), as of December 2021, at least 146 people have been jailed by Vietnam for exercising their basic rights, including bloggers and bloggers. Famous human rights activists such as Tran Huynh Duy Thuc, Pham Chi Dung, Nguyen Tuong Thuy, mother and daughter Can Thi Theu, Truong Minh Duc, Pham Van Troi…

    The US State Department’s human rights report released last year also said that Vietnam has “major human rights problems”, including: the illegal or arbitrary deprivation of life by the government; torture by government employees; Arbitrary arrest and detention of people by the authorities; political prisoners; or major issues of judicial independence; arbitrary or unlawful interference with private life; severely restrict freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and freedom of the Internet, including arbitrary arrest and prosecution of government critics, censorship, closure of websites, legislation on defamation criminal nature; substantially interfere with the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

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    Viet Nam My trao giai thuong cho Pham oan Trang la thieu khach quan
    Việt Nam_ Mỹ trao giải thưởng cho Phạm Đoan Trang là ‘thiếu khách quan’.pdf
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    Vietnam The US awarded Pham Doan Trang an award for lack of objectivity
    Vietnam_ The US awarded Pham Doan Trang an award for ‘lack of objectivity’.pdf
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  • Pham Doan Trang in VOA Tiếng Việt: Ukraine – Hiếu Lê và Việt Nam – Pham Đoan Trang

    A Vietnamese-American volunteers to fight in Ukraine.  Journalist and human rights defender Pham Doan Trang receives another international recognition.  VOA’s Tran Van in his blog reflects on both stories and finds a unique connection between the two.

    Excerpt:

    Note:  Original text in Vietnamese.

    VOA’s Vietnamese Language Department reporter has been contacted with Hieu Le (1) – a character mentioned by Vietnamese-language social networks last week as one of the Vietnamese volunteers who went to Ukraine to fight against the Russian invaders. ravaging Ukraine.

    Hieu – Vietnamese-American citizen, California resident, was a US soldier, during his service time in the US army, he participated in the war in Afghanistan, after being discharged, returned to Afghanistan to work for an American company that was approved by the US military. The American team selected as a contractor to provide services related to the field of intelligence, then to the city of Medellin, Columbia (a country in Central America) to open a restaurant selling Vietnamese food – decided to suspend business. to go to Ukraine, help Ukrainians defend their territory.

    The US has just honored Pham Doan Trang – a Vietnamese who is serving a 9-year prison sentence in Vietnam for “ conducting propaganda against the state ” (2). Trang is one of 12 women worldwide to be awarded this year’s ” International Women of Courage ” Award.

    Mr. Antony Blinken – US Secretary of State explained very seriously why the US did what Vietnam derided as… ” a farce “: In December, in Vietnam , Pham Doan Trang was sentenced to 9 years in prison for writing about democracy and human rights. She wrote about the crackdown on protesters , secretly recording police interrogations. While the media stopped printing her articles, she founded her own website. Despite facing constant threats, she continued to communicate to others about their rights … We condemn her unjust imprisonment. We call for her immediate release .”

    Mr. Marc Knapper – US Ambassador to Vietnam added: Pham Doan Trang is fearless in pursuit of an inclusive society and a broader space for free speech in Vietnam, which has attracted the recognition of international … We attach great importance to the comprehensive partnership with Vietnam. We encourage and support a strong, prosperous and independent Vietnam . We believe , for this country to develop, this country needs openness, transparency and inclusion , respecting the rights of all citizens that Trang has been constantly seeking through articles and advocacy. mine.We applaud Trang for her work as a human rights advocate. Your bravery continues to inspire people in Vietnam and around the world …

    Why put the story related to Hieu Le and Ukraine next to the story Pham Doan Trang and Vietnam? Because there is something worth thinking about. If Ukraine does not fervently defend the basic values ​​of a country, a people as it is known, people will certainly not support Ukraine as it is now and of course will not be able to move people like Hieu Le – naturally. felt the need to put aside personal plans to do something for foreign countries like Ukraine.

    If Vietnam were in the same situation as Ukraine is today, how many people feel the need to do something to support a political system, the public system has never hesitated to turn so many compatriots of these systems like Pham Doan Trang become… ” inmates “? How many people of Vietnamese origin will find their way back like Hieu Le when the Vietnamese people have no chance to choose… ” clown ” (6) as head, when Vietnam only has ” adept ” individuals. “In the governance and administration of the country in the communist style, without any tricks to hold on to power, he even casually questioned those who wondered about the territorial sovereignty being controlled by foreigners. challenge, infringe, that:If there is any conflict, how unstable is the situation now, can we sit here and discuss the organization of the party congress (7)?

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    Ukraine Hieu Le va Viet Nam Pham oan Trang
    Ukraine – Hiếu Lê và Việt Nam – Pham Đoan Trang.pdf
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    Ukraine Hieu Le and Vietnam Pham Doan Trang
    Ukraine – Hieu Le and Vietnam – Pham Doan Trang.pdf
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  • Pham Doan Trang in United States Mission to the United Nations: Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the 2022 U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Awards Ceremony

    U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, salutes all the heroines for their bravery and dedication to their causes.  She also mentions the United Nations 66th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women where the world’s governments come together to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women.

    Excerpt:

    Most of all, I am in awe of the heroines we are here today to celebrate. You are activists and journalists, peacemakers and parliament members. You are prosecutors fighting organized crime and corruption. You are community leaders bravely testifying against gang leaders. You are defenders of the environment, of indigenous rights, of LGBTQI+ rights, of human rights. You have shut down sexual harassment and lifted up the next generation of women leaders. You listen. You lead. And you show courage beyond belief.

    Of course, far too many courageous women are not able to be here, and that includes one of our honorees, Pham Doan Trang, who is imprisoned in Vietnam for her work to protect human rights and promote political participation. And then there are the tens of thousands of other women – too many to count – who demonstrate unimaginable bravery in the face of impossible cruelty each and every day.

    Right now, I cannot stop thinking about the mothers in Ukraine. The mothers who have been forced to give birth in bomb shelters. The mothers who have been forced to pass their children – alone, terrified – into crowded trains leaving the country. The mothers who have taken up arms to defend their families, their communities, their country.

    And then there are the women and girls in Afghanistan, who are being excluded from schools and jobs after decades of progress. Or the women and girls in Ethiopia, who are being subjected to rape as a weapon of war. These are all our sisters. You are here to represent them, and all the women facing such grave challenges throughout the world. And it is on us – all of us here in this room and across the world – to do right by them.

    For our part, at the United Nations, today marks the opening of the 66th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women – it’s a massive, annual session where the world’s governments come together to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women. And this year we’re paying particular attention to the role of women in the climate crisis – both how women and girls are acutely affected and how we are poised to lead the way forward. I was proud to announce our diverse delegation to CSW today, which will champion our values and the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women, girls, and gender-diverse people on all fronts. They understand – just as you do – how important it is that we speak up for those who are not in the room.

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    Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield at the 2022 US Secretary of States International Women of Courage Awards Ceremony United States Mission to the United Nations
    Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the 2022 U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Awards Ceremony – United States Mission to the United Nations.pdf
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  • Pham Doan Trang in VOA Tiếng Việt: Phạm Đoan Trang sẽ được Đệ Nhất Phu nhân Mỹ vinh danh ‘Phụ nữ Can đảm Quốc tế 2022’

    Acclaimed Vietnamese journalist and human rights defender Pham Doan Trang is one of the 12 International Women of Courage for 2022.  Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, will bestow the recognition in an online award ceremony to be held this March 14.

    Excerpt:

    Note:  Original texts in Vietnamese.

    Independent journalist Pham Doan Trang, who is being held by the Vietnamese government, will be honored by Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, in honor of International Women of Courage 2022, along with 11 other women around the world.

    The online award ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Washington time on March 14, chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, according to the US State Department’s announcement.

    Journalist Pham Doan Trang, currently serving a nine-year prison term for “Propaganda against the State”, will be named by First Lady Jill Biden, recognizing her outstanding “courageous achievement”.

    Pham Doan Trang is an internationally recognized author, blogger, journalist and human rights defender who, through her writings and interviews, uses well-researched legal arguments. to advocate for human rights, the rule of law, and to bring every voice into political spaces in Vietnam,” the State Department said in a statement.

    Pham Doan Trang is an author and co-founder of many community service organizations that focus on expanding political participation and promoting human rights, good governance, and access to justice. As a journalist, she boldly reported on social issues that the Vietnamese press had never mentioned before, according to the US State Department.

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    Pham oan Trang se uoc e Nhat Phu nhan My vinh danh Phu nu Can am Quoc te 2022
    Phạm Đoan Trang sẽ được Đệ Nhất Phu nhân Mỹ vinh danh ‘Phụ nữ Can đảm Quốc tế 2022’.pdf
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    Pham Doan Trang will be honored by the First Lady of the United States as International Women of Courage 2022
    Pham Doan Trang will be honored by the First Lady of the United States as _International Women of Courage 2022_.pdf
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  • Pham Doan Trang is one of the recipient of the 2022 International Women of Courage Award

    Acclaimed Vietnamese journalist and human rights defender, Pham Doan Trang is one of the recipient of the 2022 International Women of Courage Award.  On its 16th year, the Secretary of State’s IWOC Award is given to 12 women of courage from all over the world who have been beacons of light, inspiration and hope.  

    Excerpt:

    On Monday, March 14, at 10:00 a.m. EST, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will host the annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards in a virtual ceremony at the U.S. Department of State. The 2022 IWOC Award ceremony will honor a group of twelve extraordinary women from around the world who are working to build a brighter future for all.  The First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, will deliver remarks in recognition of the courageous accomplishments of this year’s IWOC awardees.

    Out of an abundance of caution due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in order to practice safe social distancing, the ceremony will be pooled press coverage only and will be live streamed on www.state.gov.

    Now in its 16th year, the Secretary of State’s IWOC Award recognizes women from around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, in all their diversity – often at great personal risk and sacrifice.  Since March 2007, the Department of State has recognized more than 170 women from over 80 countries with the IWOC Award.  U.S. diplomatic missions overseas nominate one woman of courage from their respective host countries and finalists are selected and approved by senior Department officials.  Following the virtual IWOC ceremony, the awardees will participate in an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Virtual exchange to connect with their American counterparts and strengthen the global network of women leaders.  The 2022 awardees are:

    Phạm Đoan Trang – Vietnam

    Phạm Đoan Trang is an internationally recognized author, blogger, journalist, and human rights defender who, through her writing and interviews, uses thoroughly researched legal arguments to advocate for human rights, rule of law, and the inclusion of all voices in political spaces in Vietnam.   Ms. Trang authored books and co-founded numerous community-based organizations focused on the expansion of political participation and promoting human rights, good governance, and access to justice.  As a journalist, she bravely reported on social issues previously untouched by the Vietnamese media.  Ms. Trang has received numerous international awards for her work. She was arrested on October 6, 2020, and sentenced to nine years in prison on December 14, 2021, for purportedly “making, storing, or disseminating propaganda against the people’s administration” in relation to her writings and peacefully expressing her opinions.

    Given the virtual nature of this year’s IWOC Awards ceremony, the awardees will not be available for in-person interviews.  However, media outlets may e-mail MediaRequests@state.gov to schedule virtual interviews with the awardees.  We also invite you to use the hashtags #IWOC2022 and #WomenOfCourage on social media for news and updates on this year’s awards. For any IWOC inquiries, please contact the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues (SGWI_PA@state.gov).  For any IVLP inquiries, please contact (ECA-Press@state.gov).

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    2022 International Women of Courage Award Recipients Announced United States Department of State
    2022 International Women of Courage Award Recipients Announced – United States Department of State.pdf
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