Release International

A senior US official has sparked controversy after she refuted claims that Vietnam's ethnic minorities are persecuted.

Ellen Sauerbrey, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration, has dismissed reports that the Vietnamese authorities have harassed groups such as the Montagnards in the Central Highlands.

Commentators have observed that Ms Sauerbrey's comments were based on a brief meeting with just seven Montagnards recently repatriated from Cambodia to the Central Highlands. She also said that most Montagnards now crossing into Cambodia were motivated by 'economic reasons': few should therefore qualify for refugee status.

Her comments have outraged religious rights organisations involved in Vietnam. The flood of asylum-seekers pouring out of Vietnam into Cambodia has gathered momentum since the authorities began their crackdown on unlicensed churches in 2004.

Release International's sources continue to document instances of the Vietnamese authorities persecuting the Montagnards, who are predominantly Christian: arbitrary detention, torture and land grabs have all been reported.

International monitors, even aid agencies, are barred access to the Central Highlands. Rights campaigners are angry that Ms Sauerbrey did not take full advantage of a rare authorised visit into the Central Highlands to make a more thorough investigation.

• Pray that Ms Sauerbrey's comments will not be allowed to let the Vietnamese authorities 'off the hook' in terms of their religious rights record.
• Ask God to build up His church in the Central Highlands. Pray that the church will be equipped with strong leaders and good materials so it can thrive.

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