ON THE RESPECT AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH UNITED NATIONS STANDARDS

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