Hanoi – Indochina has a rich and colorful history. One of the countries in this region is Vietnam. It is a multinational country because of its 54 ethnic groups. Even with the dominant ethnic group (Kinh) already accounting for 87% of the population, there are still a lot of minorities or small ethnic groups that give life to the communities of this country. Throughout the years and as a part of Vietnam’s past, many continue to survive and practice their wonderful culture; however, there are others who remain persecuted or even deprived of their freedom.
Unrecognized yet Alive
Among the 53 other ethnic groups in Vietnam is the Khmer Krom. They call themselves the Cambodians of the South. Their origin is a dramatic movement from different occupations. The group’s history started in 1949, when the French finally gave up their lands to the Vietnamese government. Even with their prevalent culture, tradition, and language, once the Khmer Krom began living under the socialist government, they faced a lot of persecution and restrictions.
They are denied the right to practice their culture, religion, as well as language. Generations of Khmer Krom face a number of difficulties, of which a major one is the uncertainty of their actions as they try to meet the standard imposed by the government. The common beliefs do not hold much in the eyes of the locals and of the majority. The gap between the larger population and those of the other recognized ethnic groups has been a major concern for both the young and old.
The sad reality within the local system is that many Khmer Krom members are being harassed or even jailed for openly using their language, sharing their beliefs, and showing their culture. There are continuous problems in land ownership, religious restrictions, environmental problems, education, and health concerns. Many of the government programs are not helpful in preserving and developing proper cultural or societal guidelines for the country’s minorities.
A Call for a Peaceful Land
As the years pass, the Vietnamese authorities see only the need to ensure that the Khmer Krom meet the standards of the Viet. Now, the seals of traditional ethnic temples that usually feature Khmer writing have been entirely changed to Vietnamese writing. Despite this, there are groups in the country that campaign in a non-violent manner to seek the recognition of the rights of the indigenous people in the Kampuchea-Krom by following international conventions.
Recently, there have been some positive changes and even affirming decisions to create some adequate policies, promote and protect the traditional identities of various ethnic minority groups, and provide sufficient service to remote villagers. These are merely small steps to achieve better recognition of the ethnic diversity within the country, but it is great news for any member of other minority groups. There is also a need for the Viet people and other ethnic minority groups to co-exist well and develop a bond for mutual understanding and societal growth.
Image from Radio Free Asia, http://www.rfa.org/english/news/vietnam/monks-05172013155156.html