Vinh Quang Prison in Phu Tho Province is currently managing more than 500 inmates of foreign nationality. Despite differences in language, culture and ethnicity, their fundamental human rights are consistently upheld.
Behind closed gates, where freedom is restricted, basic human rights remain intact. Following a field visit to Vinh Quang Prison, the series “Human rights in prisons: seen through the simplest things” captures slices of everyday life, reflecting how human rights are implemented in a highly specific environment.
When inmates become language bridges
Stepping into the section designated for foreign inmates at Vinh Quang Prison, the first impression is one of orderliness and cleanliness. Inside the well-ventilated cells, each individual is allocated living space in full compliance with regulations.
At the entrance, house rules are displayed in multiple languages - English, Lao and Chinese - enabling inmates to read and follow them independently.
A prison cell for foreign inmates.
Here, we met inmate Chimechidike Ben, a Nigerian national who once worked as an English teacher in Ho Chi Minh City before committing an offense. After 17 years serving a sentence for illegal drug transportation, Ben now speaks Vietnamese fluently, the result of years of dedicated learning while in custody.
“During my time here, my basic rights have always been ensured. I receive adequate clothing and food, regular health check-ups, and opportunities to work, learn a trade and access necessary information.
Most importantly, I am treated equally with other inmates, with respect for my dignity and honor. That gives me peace of mind to focus on rehabilitation. Through this process, I have come to fully understand my wrongdoing, and I will not repeat it in the future,” Ben shared.
Another inmate, Qian Youcheng, a Chinese national, spoke of the relative ease of adapting to daily life after six years in the facility, thanks to similarities in culinary culture between Vietnam and China. He particularly enjoys dishes such as bun rieu and fried spring rolls, which he often purchases from the prison canteen.
Inmate Qian Youcheng acts as an active “interpreter,” helping bridge language gaps for Chinese inmates during rehabilitation.
Beyond his own rehabilitation, Qian Youcheng has become an important “language bridge” for prison staff, helping reduce communication barriers for Chinese-speaking inmates.
“When officers share information about amnesty, sentence reductions or new legal knowledge, we translate it into Chinese and pass it on to others. During vocational training, officers sometimes ask us to explain what is right or wrong so others can follow properly,” Qian Youcheng said.
One of his most memorable experiences was assisting officers in explaining prison rules to another inmate, helping him clearly understand his mistakes. After completing a disciplinary period, that inmate sincerely thanked Qian Youcheng for helping him better grasp the regulations.
A complex challenge
Vinh Quang Prison has recently added staff proficient in English and Chinese.
Managing more than 500 foreign inmates from over 20 different countries is no simple task at Vinh Quang Prison.
Recently, the facility has been reinforced with staff proficient in English and Chinese, improving the implementation of policies and educational programs for inmates.
Previously, the prison often relied on inmates with language skills to assist with interpretation. The addition of trained officers has made communication more accurate and effective.
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Quang Huy, Deputy Warden in charge of Subcamp No. 4 - which houses more than 300 foreign inmates - emphasized the prison’s guiding principle: “Regardless of nationality, all inmates are guaranteed their rights under Vietnamese law.”
Behind the iron doors of Vinh Quang Prison, human rights do not depend on nationality or skin color.
In line with Article 27 of the Law on Execution of Criminal Judgments, the rights to life, health, honor and dignity of foreign inmates are fully protected. “In addition to benefiting from Vietnam’s policies, foreign inmates are also allowed to observe their own national holidays and traditional New Year celebrations,” he added.
However, Lieutenant Colonel Huy also acknowledged the challenges. Conflicts may arise due to differences in language, culture, awareness and education levels, requiring constant communication, explanation and mediation by prison authorities.
When inmates fall ill, coordinating with embassies or consulates is not always straightforward. In some cases, certain countries do not support inmates in fulfilling additional penalties or compensation obligations, resulting in extended stays at the facility even after their sentences have been completed.
Despite these difficulties, the Party Committee and prison leadership continue to instruct officers to maintain fairness, ensuring no inmate expresses or acts on discrimination related to race, belief or religion. At the same time, they encourage mutual support and shared progress among inmates.
Behind the iron doors of Vinh Quang Prison, human rights are not determined by nationality or skin color. In this unique environment, differences are not erased but adjusted to coexist within a common order.
Vietnamnet.vn
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