A Trade Deal Hits Close to Home for Some Nebraskans

A Trade Deal Hits Close to Home for Some Nebraskans

At a recent meeting with the Vietnamese community in Lincoln, an elderly woman arose, made her way through the crowd, touched my arm, and gave me a small gift - a piece of candy. She spoke at length to me in Vietnamese. As I learned from our translator, she said, "Be careful when you go to Vietnam."

This kind gesture and her cautious warning reflected the seriousness of the matter we had assembled to discuss - an upcoming trade deal with Vietnam and its relationship to the question of human rights violations in that country.

This issue is deeply personal and meaningful to a significant population of Vietnamese Americans who have made their homes in Lincoln. These Nebraskans contribute immensely to the cultural diversity and vitality of the city and participate vigorously in our democracy.

They also have strong roots in Vietnam. Most were born there and still have friends and family members living in that country. Many have suffered terribly at the hands of the ruling regime and carry painful memories of the past. The desire to see progress and an end to human rights abuses resonates with powerful force.

Recently a bill granting permanent normal trade relations with Vietnam was discussed in Congress. The merits of the bill centered on an array of economic opportunities for the Vietnamese economy and new markets for our goods, all of which are important in the progress of our relationship.

However, I had grave concerns about existing human rights violations in Vietnam, such as persecution and oppression of various religious minorities, unlawful detainment, and government coercion. I believe our efforts to strengthen U.S. trade ties with Vietnam must be complemented by a parallel effort to accelerate human rights progress in the areas where serious problems remain. Given the special bond forged by history and suffering between our two nations, this trade negotiation seemed to afford a unique opportunity.

For this reason, I proposed the establishment of a Human Rights Commission, similar to the United States Human Rights Commission on China, which would serve the purpose of monitoring the most precious of these rights, such as freedom of expression, freedom of religion and the right to worship, as well as the legal rights essential for the just application of the rule of law.

A coalition of support for my proposal developed, including the chairman of the House Committee on International Relations, Mr. Henry Hyde. Unfortunately, the Commission did not become a part of the legislation - leading to my decision to vote against the trade measure.

I believe improvement in the area of human rights is critical for Vietnam as it properly pursues its accession into the community of nations. When dealing with foreign nations where human rights challenges remain, trade negotiations should be an important vehicle to the building of a more just world.

http://www.house.gov/list/speech/ne01_fortenberry/Vietnam.html