Land defenders worldwide, often women, face unjust persecution by governments preferring to exploit the land they safeguard. In Vietnam, Hoang Thi Minh, a prominent climate activist, faces imprisonment on fabricated tax evasion charges, emblematic of a broader crackdown on environmental advocacy. Despite international outcry, Hoang remains in custody, held incommunicado after her colleagues’ arrests. This arrest underscores Vietnam’s disregard for human rights and civil society involvement in its energy transition, despite being one of the most climate-vulnerable nations. The UN expressed deep concern over arbitrary arrests of activists like Hoang, recognized internationally for her work in climate justice. Hoang’s dedication to environmental preservation led to her selection as a 2018 Obama Foundation Scholar and acknowledgment as one of the 50 most influential Vietnamese women. Her story highlights the ongoing struggle for environmental protection and human rights.
