Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, January 30, 1998 - U.S. Department of State

Summary Excerpt

The (Hanoi) Government's human rights record continued to be poor. The Government continued to repress basic political and some religious freedoms and to commit numerous abuses. While the VCP moved to reform procedures and internal debate, the Government denied citizens the right to change their government. There were credible reports that security officials beat detainees. Prison conditions remain harsh. The Government arbitrarily arrested and detained citizens, including detention for peaceful expression of political and religious objections to government policies.

The Government denied citizens the right to fair and expeditious trials and holds a number of political prisoners. The Government restricts significantly citizens' privacy rights, although the trend toward reduced government interference in citizens' daily lives continued. The Government significantly restricted freedom of speech, assembly, and association. The Government continued its longstanding policy of not tolerating most types of public dissent, although exceptions were made if they appeared to serve the interests of the party or the Government. The Government allowed citizens slightly greater freedom of expression and assembly to protest grievances. The Government prohibited independent political, labor, and other organizations; such organizations exist only under government control. The Government significantly restricts freedom of religion; it limits the operation of religious organizations to those entities approved by the State.

Societal discrimination and violence against women remained problems. Trafficking in women and children for prostitution within the country and abroad grew, although the Government continued to combat the problem. Discrimination against ethnic minorities and child labor are problems.

There were reports that certain prisons employed forced labor, sometimes as part of commercial ventures.