Demonstration in Ottawa Calls for Human Rights, Freedom and Democracy for Vietnam
PRESS RELEASE
Vietnamese Canadian Community Demonstration in Ottawa Calls for Human Rights, Freedom and Democracy for Vietnam
Ottawa, Ontario – September 25, 2026
On September 24, 2026, members of the Vietnamese Canadian community from across Canada gathered in Ottawa to express their concerns regarding human rights, freedom and democracy in Vietnam during the visit of Mr. Tô Lâm, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam.
The demonstration was organized by the Vietnamese Canadian Federation (Liên Hội Người Việt Canada) in coordination with the Vietnamese Community of Ottawa–Gatineau and the Vietnamese Community, Region of Montreal (COMMUNAUTÉ VIETNAMIENNE AU CANADA, RÉGION DE MONTRÉAL).
The demonstration began at approximately 9:00 a.m. in front of Rideau Hall, where participants gathered peacefully to express their views and concerns.
Participants displayed banners and signs carrying messages including:
“HUMAN RIGHTS FOR VIETNAM”
“DEMOCRACY FOR VIETNAM”
“FREE PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE”
“FREEDOM – DEMOCRACY – HUMAN RIGHTS FOR VIETNAM”
“DO NOT LISTEN TO WHAT THE COMMUNISTS SAY, LOOK AT WHAT THEY DO”
Other messages and slogans were also displayed and chanted by participants, including:
“Down with Tô Lâm.” “Down with Communists”.
DEMONSTRATION CONTINUES AT PARLIAMENT HILL
Following the gathering in front of Rideau Hall, participants proceeded to Parliament Hill, where the demonstration continued.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., members of the Vietnamese Community of Toronto and surrounding areas joined the demonstration, together with Vietnamese Canadians from Ottawa–Gatineau, Montreal and other communities across Canada.
The gathering at Parliament Hill brought together representatives of Vietnamese Canadian communities, organizations, associations, community leaders, former public officials, community advocates and respected members of the Vietnamese Canadian community.
Among those who attended and addressed the gathering was former Senator Ngô Thanh Hải, along with presidents and representatives of Vietnamese Canadian communities and organizations.
Speakers addressed issues concerning human rights, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of association, democratic rights, and the release of individuals imprisoned in connection with their political or social activities and beliefs.
A UNIFIED VOICE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY
The Vietnamese Canadian Federation recognizes the right of individuals and communities in Canada to peacefully express their views and concerns in accordance with Canadian law.
The September 24 demonstration provided an opportunity for Vietnamese Canadians from different cities and organizations to come together and publicly express their aspirations for:
Human Rights for Vietnam
Freedom for Vietnam
Democracy for Vietnam
The Vietnamese Canadian Federation sincerely acknowledges the participation of the Vietnamese Community of Ottawa–Gatineau, the Vietnamese Community, Region of Montreal, the Vietnamese Community of Toronto and surrounding areas, as well as representatives of other Vietnamese Canadian communities, organizations, associations and community members who travelled to Ottawa to participate.
The Vietnamese Canadian Federation extends its appreciation to everyone who took part in the demonstration and helped maintain a peaceful and orderly gathering throughout the day.
CONCLUSION
The demonstration continued at Parliament Hill until approximately 2:00 p.m. on September 24, 2026, when the gathering concluded.
The Vietnamese Canadian Federation remains committed to bringing together Vietnamese Canadians across Canada and to providing a forum for peaceful civic engagement on issues concerning the Vietnamese community and the future of Vietnam.
FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN VIETNAM
FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY IN VIETNAM
FOR THE FREEDOM OF THE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE
