The EU is deeply concerned by the conviction and sentencing of prominent environmental activist and NGO leader Hoang Thi Minh Hong to three years’ imprisonment.

We call on Vietnam to respect the right to freedoms of expression and association for all persons in Vietnam. We further urge Vietnam to ensure its actions are consistent with its international commitments, including to consult with non-government stakeholders as part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

As we said when launching the JETP in Brussels in December 2022, “Ensuring the transition away from fossil fuels is ‘just' lies at the centre of the JETP. A just transition will not only help Vietnam meet climate goals but also secure a resilient and prosperous future for its people, reducing the impacts of pollution and supporting economic growth and new jobs. It is vital that the whole civil society is involved in the green transition at all stages and no one is left behind.” As Vietnam committed in the joint political declaration accompanying the JETP’s launch, “for the transition to be just and equitable, regular consultation is required, including with media, NGOs and other stakeholders so as to ensure a broad social consensus.”