‘Pray for my country soon to have freedom and democracy.’ These were the words of Nguyen Van Dai, a human rights defender we spoke with last year. International attention on human rights in Vietnam seems to have diminished, but we’re still receiving reports of severe violations of freedom of religion or belief targeting every major religious community. These include harassment, intimidation, intrusive monitoring, arrest, imprisonment, torture and even extrajudicial killing. And that’s not all – being a human rights defender makes you a particular target. In all this, we’re continually inspired by the courage of those like Nguyen Van Dai who speak up for human rights despite the dangers. Find out more about Vietnam at csw.org.uk/vietnam

Sunday 15 November

Thank God that Pastor A Dao was released in September! He was arrested in 2016 while on his way to visit some members of his church, following his return from a conference on freedom of religion or belief.

Monday 16 November

In January 2020 imprisoned Pastor Nguyen Trung Ton’s son was detained at a border checkpoint after he returned to Vietnam. Ask God to protect and comfort the friends and family members of all those imprisoned.

Tuesday 17 November

Pray this verse over all those detained or imprisoned in connection with their religion or belief, or with the peaceful defence of human rights: ‘He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free.’ (Psalm 146:7)

Wednesday 18 November

Members of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice, are facing increasing pressure from authorities. In July a group of police officers broke up a gathering of Falun Gong practitioners who were studying in a private home in Ha Tinh province. Ask God to protect this vulnerable community.

Thursday 19 November

Hoa Hao Buddhist and activist Nguyen Bac Truyen went on a hunger strike last year to protest the mistreatment of a fellow prisoner. Truyen was awarded the 2020 Stefanus Prize, a human rights prize given to individuals for outstanding contributions to defending freedom of religion or belief. Give thanks for his bravery in standing up for the rights of others, despite holding different beliefs from them.

Friday 20 November

The EU, UK and US are all currently pursuing a closer relationship with Vietnam. Pray that freedom of religion or belief would be at the top of the agenda in all negotiations.

Saturday 21 November

Heavenly Father, we ask you to move powerfully for the people of Vietnam. Open the eyes of the international community to the violations taking place there, and convict them to take swift and effective action to hold the Vietnamese authorities to account. Amen.

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