VIET NAM: GRAVE CONCERN FOR IMPRISONED ACTIVIST’S HEALTH

Your Excellency,

I am writing to express my grave concern for the health of 63-year-old Cấn Thị Thêu, a prominent land rights activist and human rights defender. She is a prisoner of conscience, who has been detained solely for exercising her human rights.

Arrested in 2020, it was deeply disturbing to learn of reports that, during pre-trial detention, Thêu, and her two sons Trịnh Bá Phương and Trịnh Bá Tư, were subjected to harsh treatment and torture. I am further concerned that they continue to face ill-treatment while incarcerated due to their vocal opposition to prison conditions

Most recently, in early August 2025, Thêu informed her family that her body accept only small amounts of food. Thêu received a three-day antibiotic course on July 28, but her condition was so worrying, the treatment was extended for a further 10 days. Concerningly, the authorities have refused her access to her own medical records at any point during her treatment. Without proper care and regular visits from her family, there are grave concerns for her well-being.

I urge you to ensure that Cấn Thị Thêu is immediately and unconditionally released. Pending her release, Cấn Thị Thêu must be treated in full accordance with the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, protected from torture and other ill-treatment, and provided access to adequate healthcare. Finally, Trịnh Bá Phương and Trịnh Bá Tư must be released and their convictions and sentences relating to the exercise of their rights to freedom of expression quashed.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]