Hello, dear colleagues!
This article is primarily written for law firms representing asylum applicants from
Vietnam and other countries in
East Asia, although it may also be useful for applicants themselves.
My name is Maxim Kharitonov, and I am the founder of
The Human Rights, an international agency of expert witnesses specializing in expert reports for asylum seekers worldwide (website: thehuman-rights.com).
We provide expert witness reports on human rights violations, political persecution, and asylum-related risks across key regions, including:
- Post-Soviet Region (CIS): Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia.
- East Africa: Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda.
- South & Central Asia: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan.
- Middle East: Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia.
- Western Balkans: Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Latin America & the Caribbean: Venezuela, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil.
- East Asia: China, North Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, Myanmar.
In this article, I will explain how our team approaches the analysis of the situation in
Vietnam and other
East Asia countries, highlight key issues related to human rights violations, and discuss why an expert witness report plays a crucial role in asylum cases.
What is an Expert Witness Report?
An
expert witness report is an independent analytical document used to substantiate facts, justify risks, and assess the situation in the applicant’s country of origin.
Its purpose is to demonstrate that the applicant faces a real threat of persecution and cannot return to
Vietnam or another
East Asia country due to the risks involved. The report serves as witness testimony in the asylum case, providing expert insight into the situation in the applicant’s country of origin.
Why is an Expert Witness Report Essential?
An expert witness report is crucial at every stage of the asylum process:
- At the application stage: It helps establish the applicant's personal risks and their connection to the general situation in Vietnam or another East Asia country.
- At the appeal stage: If the application has been denied, the report can be used for a detailed analysis of the immigration authority’s decision, identifying errors, and providing additional evidence.
Key Functions of an Expert Witness Report
1.
Contextual AnalysisAn expert witness report confirms the broader situation in
Vietnam and other
East Asia countries, including political instability, repression, and conflict, citing both international and local sources.
2.
Personal Risk AssessmentThe report demonstrates the connection between the applicant’s individual threats and the conditions in their country. Whether it’s due to their political views, ethnicity, religion, or gender, the report will explain why they are personally at risk in
Vietnam or another
East Asia country.
3.
Strengthening the Evidence BaseAn expert witness report verifies that the applicant belongs to a vulnerable group facing persecution. Vulnerable groups can include ethnic or religious minorities, journalists, political activists, and women, particularly in countries like
Vietnam, where these groups may face targeted violence.
4.
Support with Credible SourcesThe report references authoritative organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and others. All sources are formatted according to the
OSCOLA citation standard.
Country Expert Witness on
Vietnam and
East Asia Countries
At
The Human Rights, we specialize in preparing expert witness reports for asylum applicants from
Vietnam and other countries in the
East Asia region. Our reports are tailored to asylum cases in the
UK,
USA,
Canada, and the
EU, ensuring compliance with immigration law standards and expert witness requirements.
We provide in-depth analysis on the human rights situation in
Vietnam and other
East Asia countries, addressing issues such as:
- Political Persecution: In Vietnam, political dissidents or individuals with opposing views to the government face harassment, surveillance, detention, and imprisonment. Asylum seekers fleeing political persecution from Vietnam can use expert reports to demonstrate the risks they face due to their political opinions.
- Freedom of Expression and Media Suppression: Vietnam has a history of suppressing freedom of expression, including the arrest and prosecution of journalists, bloggers, and activists. Expert reports can support asylum applicants who have faced persecution for their role in reporting or advocating for free speech.
- Ethnic and Religious Minorities: While Vietnam is predominantly ethnically Vietnamese, minority groups such as the Montagnards (Dega) and ethnic Chinese face discrimination, exclusion, and violence. Religious minorities, including Christians and Buddhists, may also experience persecution. Expert reports can be used to support asylum claims from these vulnerable groups.
- Gender-Based Violence: Vietnam struggles with high rates of gender-based violence, particularly against women and girls. Issues such as domestic violence, human trafficking, and discrimination in the workplace are prevalent. Expert reports can help asylum seekers demonstrate the systemic nature of gender-based violence and the lack of effective protection for women in Vietnam.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Despite legal changes, LGBTQ+ individuals in Vietnam still face social stigma, discrimination, and violence, particularly in rural areas. Asylum seekers facing LGBTQ+ persecution can rely on expert reports to demonstrate the risks they face due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Why Choose Our Expert Witness Reports?
Collective Expertise & VerificationOur reports are prepared by regional country experts, researchers, and legal analysts, ensuring accuracy and depth. Every report undergoes fact-checking and validation by our senior experts before submission.
Court-Tested Reports & Expert TestimonyOur experts are available to testify in court, reinforcing the credibility of the asylum applicant’s case. We follow the highest standards of expert witness reporting, including OSCOLA citation formatting and references to leading human rights organizations (Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UNHCR, etc.).
Customized Reports for Each CaseWe tailor each report to the specific applicant’s circumstances, linking their personal risks to the broader situation in their country of origin.
Strong Track Record of SuccessOur reports have played a key role in successful asylum applications and appeals, helping individuals prove their risk of persecution.