The Norwegian Mission to the East in collaboration with the Rafto Foundation and the Norwegian Teacher Academy invites on September 13 to the seminar in Bergen on Freedom of belief and human rights in Vietnam. The background for the discussion is the changes taking place in communist Vietnam as rapid economic development intensifies relations with western democracies. (25-AUG-07)
Published by Gunta Venge/HRH Bergen
Tendencies towards a more vigorous enforcement of human rights are visible in Vietnam. Nevertheless, reports indicate that simultaneously a considerable number of individuals are arrested for opposing the regime. The situations still seems very difficult for many minorities, who risk persecution if converting to other beliefs. 
The Rafto Foundation put focus on Vietnam last year when the Rafto Prize was awarded to Venerable Thich Quang Do (right), and this seminar is a follow up project.
Seminar on
“Freedom of belief and human rights in Vietnam”
Thursday, September 13 from 8:30 – 15:00
Venue: Norwegian Teacher Academy, Amalie Skrams vei 3, Bergen
Children in the mountain area in Vietnam. Photo: I. A. Isene/NMØ
PROGRAM
Kieu Tran, Human Rights activist, Strømme Foundation:
On the history, culture and people of Vietnam with special attention paid to the Human Rights situation
Stein Tønnesson, Director of the International Peace Research Institute in Oslo:
The political system of Vietnam – is fundamental change possible?
Ed C. Brown, Human Rights Advisor, Norwegian Mission to the East:
Why is the freedom of belief and religious affiliation of such great importance?
Vo Van Ai, President of Action for Democracy in Vietnam and International Spokesman for the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam (Vo Van Ai representent the 2006 Rafto Prize Laureate Thich Quang Do during the Award ceremony in Bergen in November last year)
The situation for Buddhist believers in contemporary Vietnam
Duan Trung Tin, Protestant Priest and Leader of Vietnam Good News Mission:
The situation for Christian believers in contemporary Vietnam
Ole D. Hagesæther, Bishop of Bjørgvin, Norway will hold an introductory speech.
REGISTRATION AND FEES
Registration: please e-mail to post@nmio.no or call +47 23 40 88 00
Please provide name, address, telephone, and fee category.
Ordinary fee (lunch included): NOK 150.00
Senior citizens and students (lunch included): NOK 75.00
Students and employees at NLA (lunch excluded): Free
Fees to be paid upon arrival
For programme in Norwegian please view here
