Germanwatch strongly condemns the recent series of arrests of climate, energy, and environmental activists and experts in Vietnam

As an independent development, environmental, and human rights organisation engaged for sustainable global development, Germanwatch strongly condemns the recent series of arrests of climate, energy, and environmental activists and experts in Vietnam. The shrinking civil society space is concerning not only for the people involved in the organisations but also poses a threat our collective efforts towards a climate-resilient and sustainable future.

On October 1st, it was reported[1] that Ms Ngo Thi To Nhien, a researcher and a renowned energy transition policy expert in Vietnam and the director of VIET SE, has been detained since September 20th. She was involved in the development of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), an important multi-billion-dollar agreement between Vietnam and International Partner Group (IPG) countries, consisting of the G7 and other developed country to support Vietnam’s energy transition.

The detainment of Ms Nhien and five other leaders[2] of climate and energy civil organisations within two years opposes the principle of justice embedded in the core of the JETP. Justice and human rights standards should be an integral part of the energy transition of Vietnam. Moreover, the involvement of civil society, as stated in the JETP announcement, is essential to the whole transition process, to ensure accountability in this important whole-of society transition.

We urge the Government of Germany and other IPG countries to reaffirm their commitment to the fundamental principles of the JETP and uphold the justice and human right standards promised by the partnership. We stand in solidarity with the organisations and people affected by the detainment and oppression in Vietnam and elsewhere.