Author: Prof Nguyễn Thị Hiền
RESPECTFULLY TO:
The Secretary-General of the United Nations
Ambassadors and Permanent Missions, Members of the United Nations Human Rights Council
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Governments and Parliaments of States that uphold human rights
The European Parliament and the Council of Europe
The Holy See (Vatican)
Relevant international organizations and civil society organizations
Citizens around the world
I. PREAMBLE
We, individuals and organizations concerned with the protection of human rights, peace, security, and international order, respectfully submit this Petition to call for the attention and appropriate action of the international community in response to systematic human rights violations occurring in certain countries today.
This Petition is based exclusively on the standards and principles of the United Nations. It is non-hostile in nature, does not incite violence, and seeks peaceful, rule-of-law–based, and sustainable solutions.
II. INTERNATIONAL LEGAL BASIS
This Petition is grounded in the following international legal instruments:
1. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948)
2. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
3. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
4. The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)
5. The Charter of the United Nations, particularly its principles concerning peace, security, and human dignity
In accordance with these instruments, all States, regardless of their political system or level of development, have the obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights.
III. FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS PRINCIPLES
We reaffirm the following non-derogable human rights principles:
1. Universality of human rights
Human rights are inherent to every human being and do not depend on culture, ideology, or so-called “national specificities.”
2. Indivisibility and interdependence of rights
Civil and political rights cannot be sacrificed in exchange for economic growth or imposed stability.
3. State responsibility
States have the obligation to:
Refrain from directly violating human rights
Prevent human rights violations by third parties
Establish and effectively implement legal mechanisms for the protection of fundamental rights
IV. MAIN CONCERNS
We express our grave concern regarding the following practices, which are incompatible with international
obligations:
1. The restriction or criminalization of freedom of expression and peaceful opinion
2. Violations of freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief
3. Arbitrary arrest and unfair trials
4. Torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment
5. Obstruction of citizens’ participation in political and social life
When carried out systematically, these practices not only cause serious harm to affected populations but also
threaten peace and security at both regional and global levels.
V. HUMAN RIGHTS, PEACE, AND INTERNATIONAL STABILITY
The United Nations has repeatedly affirmed that:
Serious human rights violations are a root cause of conflict, humanitarian crises, and refugee flows.
Accordingly, the protection of human rights does not undermine stability; rather, it is a fundamental prerequisite
for sustainable peace and long-term development.
VI. RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on United Nations standards, we respectfully recommend:
1. To the United Nations and its relevant bodies
Strengthening monitoring mechanisms, human rights dialogue, and Special Procedures
Urging the States concerned to fully comply with their international human rights obligations
2. To the international community and Member States
Placing human rights at the core of diplomatic relations
Supporting civil society and peaceful reform efforts
3. To the governments concerned
Putting an end to human rights violations
Releasing individuals detained solely for the peaceful expression of their views
Cooperating fully and in good faith with United Nations human rights mechanisms
VII. CONCLUSION
We firmly believe that human rights, peace, and international security are inseparable.
Respect for and protection of human rights in accordance with United Nations standards constitute not only a legal obligation, but also a shared moral responsibility of all humanity.
We respectfully call upon the international community to act in a spirit of dialogue, rule of law, and humanity, to advance a just, peaceful, and dignity-respecting world.
Please accept, Excellencies, the assurances of our highest consideration and our sincere appreciation for your attention.
SIGNATORIES
Dr. Lê Thị Lê – lethile2@gmail.com
Prof. Nguyễn Thị Hiền – ngthihien2015@gmail.com
Prof. Phan Thị Độ – phanthido09@gmail.com
Dr. Tạ Nguyễn – drnguyenta@gmail.com
Eng. Quyền Nhân – quyennhan2015@gmail.com
Mr. Nguyễn Thế Quang – rvngovernmentinexile@gmail.com
Republic of Vietnam Government in Exile/Chính Phủ Việt Nam Cộng Hoà Lưu Vong
Phone: 1-408-623-1814
Postal mail: 1165 Barrington Ct San Jose CA 95121 USA
Email: rvngovernmentinexile@gmail.com
(Organization / Group / Individual): ……………………………………….
(Country / Community): …………………………………………………….
(Email): ………………………………………………………………….
NOTE
1. Request for wide dissemination through international media
2. Request for translation into multiple languages to support global advocacy
3. Invitation to leaders, religious figures, believers of all faiths, political parties, civil society organizations, associations, communities, and individuals worldwide to co-sign and directly submit this Petition to the United Nations Secretary-General, governments, and the above-mentioned institutions through all appropriate means