Paris, 15th March 2001

We are writing to ask for your support in an initiative for democracy launched by one of Vietnam’s most prominent dissidents, the Venerable Thich Quang Do. In an "Appeal for Democracy in Vietnam" appendixed to this letter, Venerable Thich Quang Do calls on Vietnamese from all social, religious and political currents to rally together in support of an 8-point transition plan towards a democratic, pluralist society. At the same time, he appeals to governments, international organizations, labour movements, legislators, academics, democratic practitioners and human rights defenders around the globe to support this worldwide appeal and help "transform our vision into reality". A Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Deputy Head of the outlawed Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam (UBCV), Thich Quang Do has spent over twenty years in prison and internal exile for his peaceful advocacy of human rights, democracy and religious freedom in Vietnam.

Against a backdrop of rising discontent caused by continuing violations of human and labour rights, endemic State corruption and power abuse in Vietnam, the need for democratic reforms is vital. The Vietnam Committee on Human Rights is therefore launching a worldwide campaign to support the "Appeal" by calling for the signatures of international personalities and organizations committed to the cause of social justice and human rights.

We would be very honoured if you would accept to sign in support of the "Appeal for Democracy in Vietnam" and endorse this worldwide campaign for a peaceful transition towards democracy in Vietnam. We sincerely hope you will offer us this gesture of fraternal solidarity. We can assure you that your support will be a source of great encouragement to all those in the democracy movement who wage a daily combat for freedoms and rights in Vietnam.

Yours sincerely,

Vo Van Ai
Director, International Buddhist Information Bureau
President, Vietnam Committee on Human Rights