Scores of Montagnards Denied Safe Haven in Cambodia

http://m.voanews.com/a/in-cambodia-dozens-of-montagnard-asylum-seekers-remain-in-hiding/2656636.html
A considerable group of Montagnard refugees, forced to flee from Vietnam and denied political asylum in Cambodia, have taken to hiding from the forces of both countries in the northwestern forests of Cambodia. I believe this constitutes a man-made disaster and a disturbing trend in the politics of the region. Vietnam has had a historically poor human rights record, especially with regards to its Montagnard minority. Montagnards constitute the hill tribes of central Vietnam, and many are Protestant, which makes them a target for religious violence in a country that is under a strict atheistic socialist regime. They are also often targeted by the Vietnamese government for being strong supporters of the United States during the Vietnam War, providing essential intelligence and well-trained personnel, and quickly gaining a reputation for being a highly effective fighting force. After North Vietnam took Saigon in 1975, they enacted a policy of brutal vengeance against former anti-communist elements. Cambodia is no paragon of human rights, either; the Cambodian PM, Hun Sen, has held power in a dictatorial regime for over 25 years, and has been accused of receiving indispensable support (and orders) from Hanoi. The Montagnards have found themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. Therefore, I believe the responsibility to relieve their position falls on NGO's and foreign democratic governments. Ideally, a country such as the United States, who in a sense contributed to the situation the Montagnards are in, should offer them asylum and warn of serious repercussions should any harm befall the Montagnards. However, we unfortunately do not live in an ideal world.