December 14, 2004 1 PM - 5 PM

Chat with Doan Viet Hoat

Chat with Doan Viet Hoat, a Vietnamese human rights defender and former prisoner of conscience highlighted in the Winter issue of Amnesty International USA's member magazine, Amnesty International. Doan Viet Hoat survived nearly two decades of persecution during his fight for a more democratic government in Vietnam. Since his release from prison, he has worked in exile toward the goal of a more open Vietnam.

Featured Guest: Doan Viet Hoat

From our featured guest: "I look forward to answering your questions on December 14."

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Question Submitted by edward t gesten:

Dr Doan Have you read Lost Years My 1632 Days in a Vietnamese Reeeducation Camps by TRAN TRI VU.Also I was in Viet Nam NORTH AND SOUTH and I found the people wonderful and I enjoyed myself very much .As a result of that trip I was interested in investing in the future of that region and recently did so with a firm from UK called Dragon Capital,are you of the opinion that Viet Nam will prosper economically?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

Yes, I have read the book you mention.
I am glad that you love Vietnam and the people there. That is why I never want to leave my country.
As for your question, it depends on what you mean by "prosper" and even by "economically". If we mean "proper" and "economically" in sustanability, justice and human dignity, then I do not thin that Vietnam will proper with the present "doi moi" (renovation) policy of the Communist party.
I do not think that any contry in this new 21st century can prosper in dignity and sustainability without basic freedoms for the people --freedom of expression, of assembly, of peaceful demonstration. And more importantly, free to choose the governors, even the highest ones through free elections.
Vietnam does not have those freedoms right now.
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Question Submitted by ghulam shabir:

i am a man of 25 and i need yours kind help that i like same sex means i like using my sex with any other man but in our country its too hard to do so and my this act has become my enemy why because people of my country don't like that. many time i have been tartured by police and other religious men, because i am a muslim. Right now, the situation has become too hard for me to live that i can't survive in my comunity and courntry. so, please sujest any thing that how can i save my life and live with freedom.

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

You have two options:
1. To leave you country and immigrate to another country where same sex is legally accepted.

2. to join in with the movement for basic human rights in your own country.

The worst option is to accept your present situation.
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Question Submitted by Stanley:

How do you think the Politburo rationalizes the obvious conflict of the goal of a socialist culture with the brutal and sadistic repression of the people of Vietnam when these same methods have never worked or ended in any other communist country?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

The only rationality for this, I think, is the Politburo does not want to loose their monopoly of total power over the people of Vietnam, power to control all aspects of the people's daily life --ecenomically, socially, culturally, politically.
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Question Submitted by simone:

I am an active member of a Thich Nhat Hanh sangha at a U.S. Mindfulness Center (non-sectarian)my brothers and sisters in the sangha refuse any discussion of the politics of human rights (about Vietnam or anywhere)do you have any ideas about how to break this blockade of fear?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

I admire Master Thich Nhat Hanh's Mindfulnes Method. As I understand, Mindfulness means no more fear, to be clear of all types of fears. How can one practice Mindfulness sucessfully without overcoming the fear of discussing of humnan rights? Also, one can not master Mindfulness wihtout developing compassion. You and your brothers and sisters are free to practice Mindfulness. Let's help create a humanistic situation in Vietnam so that our people there have the same freedom as we have in a free country.
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Question Submitted by Wanda:

Hello, we have a Peace Jam class in Manistee Michigan at Casman Alternative Academy. We would like to know how we could make a difference here at our county or our highscool? Thank you

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

First, you can do some survey in your school to know what problems are there, especailly with the under-priviledged students.

Second, you can also go out into your community and make a survey to know what problems do the poor and under-priviledged people have.

Third, after that, discuss on what you can do to help those who need help the most, in your school and in the county.

I think your teachers would be glad to help you all in doing this.
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Question Submitted by Beatriz:

Dear Doan, Where do you find strenght to continue the struggle for Human Rights? I have a very pessimistic view of our world, how can I help when I don't see hope, I'm constantly depressed because of racism and mysoginy. I want to be a warrior of peace and help a greater cause, but instead I find myself having to defend myself all the time. In and out of political depression, every day. How can a weak soul help anyone? Bea

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

You know what you have to do, because you know that a weak soul can not help anyone. The answer is: you must help yourself before you can help others.
The key to your problem is to control yourself. No one can do this for you but yourself.
I suggest you read Master Thich Nhat Hanh's book on Mindfulness. Find any of his books and try to read one. Another suggestion is to practice meditation. The sinplest and best method of mediation, out of my own experience, is to concentrate you mind on ONE Normal THING for at least 5 or 10 minutes, once or twice aday. Concentrate on any one normal thing: a flower, the full moon image, or even breathing in and breathing out.
If you want to share more on this experience, do it first and then email me.
Depression or hope, or happiness, or failure...all are nothing but existence. You have your own existence, too. You do not have to exist with them. You can exist with them or without them. Think about this. And good luck.
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Question Submitted by David:

Would full diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States would help or hinder the goal of a more democratic Vietnam?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

I support positive engagement, but it mus be POSITIVE. To have human rights issues left out of the relationship, and out of economic assistance, is not positive.

I think that full relationship between Vietnam and the USA helps the goal of a more democratic Vietnam, but it must be FULL. At least, full relationship means the relationship with the Vietnamese people and not only with the authoritarian. I think there are at least two things to be done to make the relationship FULL.

1. Support the people and help them be liberated from the authoritarian governors.

2. Never seperate human rights issues from economic and cultural assistance programs.
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Question Submitted by Baleegh:

Dear Mr.Viet Hoat, First of all I would like to salute you for your honorable struggle for demacracy in Vietman. My question is 20 years is long time, I am not in anyway trying to devalue your struggle and efforts but was there any period you felt low spirited or demoralize.

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

Yes, I did feel in low spirit and demoralized many times in prison. To overcome it I had to make great efforts to control my own mentality and feeling. By many ways. By singing and talking loudly to myself to keep my throat alive. And by practicing Yoga, meditation. My mehtod of meditation is simple: to belly breath in and out: to concentrate on the navel, swell the belly to bring in the air, rest for a while, then flatten belly to push out the air. Concentrate on doing this as long as you can.
The best way for me is to normalize everything. Don't think that what happens to you is abnormal. It is just normal thing to happen --you choose to do what you think is best for your country, and you get what you do.
By this I overcome my depression and low spirit. It is very hard at first, but everything becomes a habit after a while. This is what Man is. After years in isolation I realize how strong Man is mentally and physically.
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Question Submitted by Conrad:

Dear Sir, Where will you speak on Dec. 14? C. Borovski

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

Right here on this Website, right now
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Question Submitted by Carole:

Dear Mr Doan Viet Hoan, First of all, please notice that you have all my support for what you have been through. I would also like to ask a question to you : how far have the peolple who tortured you go regarding the degradation of your dignity as a human being ? Is it possible to recover ? I wish you well. Carole Marteau

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

Those who tortured me by imprisoning me and isolating me could not degrade my dignity. In prison I realized that only you yourself can degrade your own dignity. No one else can.

Also, most of the guardians did what they were ordered to do. Some of them expressed regret as soon as they had a chance to do this without being caught by their boss. Many veteran communist cadres are dissidents now, and punished by their own leaders.
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Question Submitted by tom:

how can you be so sure that a more democratic government in viet nam would be better for the people? the government here says it is sociallist or communist to have medicine for everybody, and if you take care of the poor, elderly, or disabled it is communist, are you sure that democracy is the answer?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

Vietnam now betters off than 10 years ago just because it is opening up to ouside world, and let the ppeople live a freer life. This is the first and most obvious proof to support liberalization and human rights which are the first steps toward more democratic and less authoritarian governance.

Vietnam now betters off also thanks to:
(1) more than 3 billion US dollars sent home by overseas Vietnamese to their relatives and friends (to inrease the spending power, and not the production power yet, which benefits more developed ASEAN and Chinese economies than Vietnam's one);
(2) about 2 billion US dollars annually from international loans of which corruption minimizes the effective usage;

However, Vietnam's potential is much greater than now, and the problems are serious. Corruption is now the most damaging problem for Vietnam, and it can hardly be fought without transparency of governance, a free press and an independent and non-governmental orgnazation to watchdog the government.
Education, health care are deteriorated. Social evils are widespread. The gap between the poor and the rich is widening (about US$ 1,800 GDP in the city like (Saigon) compared with over US$ 100 in the villages)
How about Sweeden? Also socialist, but democratic. And with less problems.

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Question Submitted by melissa:

How do you know what is the right thing (for you) to change. How do you know what is most helpful to a culture? If you change one thing, don't you ultimately change a way of life...how do you decide how to act?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

I think the creteria of change can be found in the daily life of the people
If the people's life is improved then change is in the right direction. However, the improvement must be all rounded, morally, mentally and physically -- economically, culturally, socially.
Improvement should also be inclusive: for all people regardless of their differences in religions, opinions, ideological and political leanings.
Improvement should also includes the way of life, the values system of the nation, Vietnamese in this case. Vietnam is a country with a long history and strong tradition and culture which should be preserve upgraded.
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Question Submitted by Ruth Mbah:

In what actual realistic ways can the West and UN help countries like Nigeria to at least respect the right of its citizens, nothing is in place in my country - nothing. Our last election was marred by serious poll malpractices and fraud and it was organised by the Federal Government - they now have a vision of one party system or old minitary former ruler all want to come back to rule again and send us all to darkness and proverty - openning stealing from the public fund Our last election It has wiped out hope for a better country - our rights has been turned to nothingness. even jounalist are living on the edge hiding, with government thugs hurting for them. WHO COULD OUR MOUTH PIECE UN and Amnesty need to give focus to the outcry in Nigeria.

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

I share your concern for your country and your people. I urge you to launch a campaign for human rights and democracy for Nigeria. The first step is to find some more people, Nigerians, Americans...who care and work with you for the common cause of a better Nigeria for all Nigerians.
Anything I can do to help please let me know.
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Question Submitted by Mylu:

Dear Dr. Doan Viet Hoat: What do you know about Viet Nam in terms of human rights issues and what do you think can be done about it?. Also, if you could talk about what you are doing in defending human rights in Viet Nam and what are you r perspectives on the future of the country. Thank you for your answers.

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

The Vietnamese people now are deprived of many basic human rights and civil rights which have become normal in many countries, even in Southeast Asia: freddoms of expression, of assembly and association, of peaceful demonstration. The government continues to control and interfere into the Churches' affairs.
And the people do not have most important right: to elect the highest governors through free, direct and popular votes.

Liberalization of the society and democratization of the government are irreversible trends. The communist leaders are trying to divert and to slower down but can not stop these trends.


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Question Submitted by Pauline:

I had the priviledge of visiting north and south of your beautiful country late last year. The Mekong Delta I will never, ever forget, also the friendliness of the people. Young people were using the internet, but is there full access to outside information for them and is it safe for them to access foreign websites?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

No. Websites of politically and ideologically against and criticizing the communist leadership will be fire-walled.
It is a crime to try to acess pro-democracy websites
Most of the political prisoners now in Vietnam are termed by international human rights NGO as "cyber-dissidents". One of them, Dr. Pham Hong Son, was imprisoned and trialed for translating and circulating (on the Internet) an article "What Is Democracy" on the US Embassy Website.
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Question Submitted by Shango Amoda:

Are you able to travel to Vietnam?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

No. I am deported from Vietnam, and the government do not allow me to go back to Vietnam. I never want to leave Vietnam.
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Question Submitted by Carlos:

Did Amnesty International help to get you out of prison? Also, do you think Amnesty International is helping to improve the human rights situation in Viet Nam right now? Thank you. You are an inspiration.

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

Yes. In fact, Amnesty international was the first international human rights NGO to pay attention to my case. I was adopted as prisoner of conscience by Amnesty in 1982, after 6 years in jail.

Yes, I think that Amnesty has done great job in helping improve the human rights situation in Vietnam. Of course, much more should be done. For example, Amenesty should request to have representative office in Vietnam, and at least, to visit prisoners.
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Question Submitted by Viet Ngo:

The Politburo recently adopted Resolution 36 towards Viet Kieus. On its face, Resolution 36 seems to want to reach out to the VK community. Do you agree with this? Or do you think there is some other purpose? If so, what do you think that purpose might be? Also, do think VN is committed to reconcillation with the VKs?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

I have written an article on this Resolution 36. I am sending it to you (in Vietnamese, I hope you can read it)
The communist government in Hanoi knows quite well of the strength of the VN overseas community, financially, intellectually and professionally.
But what they are doing can never tap on these potentials. As for reconciliation, they should reconciliate with the people inside Vietnam first, which means many things, but first, to release all political prisoners, to allow for dissenting and peaceful opposing voices.
The communist leaders now reconciliate and dialogue with the American government, war time enemy and foreigners, and yet, they have not accepted to reconciliate and dialogue with the non-communist Vietnamese dissidents.
So, they only reconciliate with those supporting them to strengthen their monopoly of political power, and not for the benefit of the people and the country.
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Question Submitted by Viet Ngo:

Dr. Hoat, Do you think that Vietnam, on its present course, will evolve in time into a more tolerant society and a democracy -- i.e., because of market forces, Vienam will be pulled and pushed to accepted international standards? What do you think the overseas Vietnamese community can do to push this process along? Does the overseas Vietnamese community have any leverage at all when dealing with Vietnam? If not, how can we develop such leverage? Thank you.

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

Dear Viet Ngo,

Market economy has its own forces which help open up society and give the people freer doors of development and improvement of their daily life. But market economy itself, to be fully developed, and thus, to empower the people and weaken the dictators, needs to be strengthened and sustained by the rule OF law. Right now, Vietnam has accpted the rule BY law, and not OF law. This is much better than NO law, but with the rule BY law, the dictators are creating and using laws to control the life of the people. The issues should be paid attention to now are: what kind of laws the dictators are creating (like Resolution 36 or Ordinance of Religion), and how they create them (through Quoc Hoi "da?ng cu*?, da^n ba^`u", the Party decides whom the people can elect). We, advocates of human rights and democracy in Vietnam,should tackle on these issues, in this new phase of struggle.

The Vietnamese overseas have many leverages (finance, know-how, American citizenship...) We are beginning to realize these strengths but we have not capitalized them.
First step: to make every Vietnamse overseas, especially young Vietnamese-Americans) be aware of these leverages.
Second, capitalize the American citizenship to lobby American public, Congress and Administration. As for the public in the US, we should concentrate on three strategic areas: campuses, media and churches.

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Question Submitted by lee:

How do the people of Vietnam view the present administration in the USA and what can the average American do?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

The people in Vietnam expect the Amerian Administration to pay more attention to Vietnam, to help them improve their life economically and intellectually. And especially, to help them be liberated more from the authoritarian policy of the government.
I think an average American can help by being aware of the human rights situation in Vietnam, help the American public be aware, and to assist the Vietnamese-American advocates in their efforts to improve human rights in Vietnam.
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Question Submitted by Quan:

Anh Hoat: There are many models of acculturation for a young generation of Vietnamese expats to emulate. What would you say to the generation of your children and grandchildren when they go into the world about bridging being Vietnamese, being a citizen of a country where they now live, and still being true to themselves as a part of a global community?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

To seek solution of acculturation for young generation of Vietnamese-internationals (Vietnamese-American, Vietnamese-French...) we should have a new vision of Vietnam. Vietnam in this Third Millenium is facing new challenges and new opportunities. The Vietnamese overseas community should be viewed as a pioneer Vietnamese community reaching out to the international community in the new Age. Viewed as such, it can be both a window opening old Vietnam to a new Vietnam --Vietnam of the Third Millenium --Dai Viet 2000 in comparison to Dai Viet 1000 (Ly-Tranm Dynasties), and a retrospective of our old Vietnam (at homw: what should be kept, what should be imprved and what should be discared in our culture, way of life, set of values. Living in the international mcommunity gives us, as a people, a nation, an opportunity to "clean up" ourselves and to revitalize our culture. So that Viet people and Viet nation can be proud of being a funtional partner of the global village.
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Question Submitted by Quan:

As someone who has been subjected to torture and to the denial of the most basic of human rights, would you comment to the changing role of the US from defender of human rights to the present stand of the White House, the Department of Justice and the Pentagon vis-vis-vis collateral damage, ennemy combatants, and the usage of torture in the war against terrorism? In what way is Iraquization and Vietnamization simmilar, and/or different?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

I am against any violtion of human rights and justice, no matter who did it and for what reason.

Vietnamization and Irauization are very different, both due to different socio-political and cultural American and international circumstances. And also, due to the nature of the wars in both contries.
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Question Submitted by Al Jacobson:

for at least 3 years now, our local chapter of Amnesty International has been writing letters to the Viet Nam gov't asking for the release of Thich Huyen Quang, the 87 year-old head of the UBCV. Despite many hundreds of letters and thousands of signed petitions we have received no response from the government. Now we have learned in the last several days that Thich Huyen Quang has suffered from a stomach hemmorage and is gravely ill. What steps would you recommend we take that would be more effective in securing his release from "administrative detention." Who do we contact and what more can we say to gain his freedom? Al Jacobson

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

I suggest two things for your chapter:
1. Send letter (with as many signatures as possible) to UN Committe on Arbitrary Detention (you better check the correct name) to protest against Very Rev.Thich Huyen Quang's case

1. to widely propagate this case to the American public (campuses and media)
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Question Submitted by Elliot:

Dear Doan Viet Hoat, What an inspiration you are. Do you think there is a likelihood that you will be imprisoned again? If so, how do you deal with the feelings about that?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

If I return to Vietnam now and continue my advocacy of human rights I shall be imprisoned
I am ready for any thing because of my advocacy for a better Vietnam.
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Question Submitted by Philip:

Dr. Hoat, Are you still active in the Human Rights activities in Vietnam? Do you think that the government of Vietnam has changed its Human Right policy since your first arrest? What is the measures neccessary to ensure the implementation of human right in Vietnam? Thank you Philip

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

I am still active, but outside Vietnam because I am not allowed to return to my country.
-- Pressure, pressure and pressure. Both from the Administration and the American public
--to link human rights improvement to economic assistance

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Question Submitted by Jake:

I can see that you have a very supportive family who understand the sacrifice made to dedicate your live to this path. How would you recommend we communicate this to our family and love ones so that they would understand what and why we do this?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

It depends on what type of family you have. If your family comes from a poor and under-priviledged background, and now being better, talk with them about your past and compare that with the poor life of the people in Vietnam (or any other country you want to help)

If your family has been always well off, talk about compassion, and let them see films or videos of the miserable living conditions in other parts of the world or in your own country.

To increase knowledge of other people's miserable life will initiate compassion, and with compassion I hope they will understand your works and support you.
Best wishes.

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Question Submitted by Linda VanZandt:

Dear Mr. Hoat, I visited Vietnam on a study abroad program last year and learned of the persecution of the Montagnards. How do you think they can be helped? What could I do to contribute? I plan on returning to Vietnam soon. I am also concerned about children still affected by Agent Orange.

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

I shall contact you personally to discuss about this.
I have just sent an email to you. Respond to this and we shall discuss more.
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Question Submitted by Viet:

Do you support overseas Vietnamese engaging with VN at various levels (other than raising human rights concerns), such as going back to Vietnam, sending money to relatives in VN, professional exchanges? Do you think that such engagement/interaction will expose VN and its people more to the outside world -- and that over time, these engagements will have a positive influence on Vietnam in terms of changes and more liberal policies? My own thought is that the VK-VN framework should be thought in terms of VN being a service provider (like a restaurant) and that VKs are the customers. If there is good "customer services," VKs will continue to go back or engage with VN at a more in depth level. But if there's "bad" service, VKs may choose to go elsewhere. If we frame the discussion in terms of if and how VN should acquire better customer service skills in order to attract more "customers" is this a right analogy?

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

I think the analogy is OK. However, the problem here is this: between VKs and VN there wre two types of providers, the people and the government.
The first question should be: which do we choose to deal with? I belive that we should focus on the people, not the government --dictators, right now.
If so, how do we sepeate them in our deal with Vietnam from outside and inside Vietnam?
How can we help the people instead of helping the dictators? This is a tough question, and the solution or answer requires a lot of experiences, tactics, even pressure and inteference, from international community, NGO, US government...and VK community too.) This brings back to the struggle for more opening, more freedoms, respect of human rights....To sum up, I think we need to have a holistic approach to the problem of Vietnam: reward and punishment --pressure and assistance, at the same time.
If not, we end up strengthening the dictators and not empowering the people
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Question Submitted by Kym Pham:

Dear Doan Viet Hoat, How may we contact you to speak at our university (ie. University of Texas - Austin) ? Respectfully, Kym Pham

Doan Viet Hoat answers:

Send me an email and we can discuss on this matter.
I have just sent you an email. Respond to this and we shall discuss more on this.
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