22 Jun 2006 - The Montagnard Human Rights Organization (MHRO) was formed in 1998 to aid the Montagnards, indigenous people of the central highlands of Vietnam who have suffered persecution in their native country for years. MHRO focuses on the community of Montagnard refugees who have been resettling to the United States (predominantly in North Carolina) since 1986. It also advocates for human rights in Vietnam.  Melissa Fogg, project specialist for an International Rescue Committee program that assists organizations founded by refugees for refugees, recently spoke with MHRO’s Rong Nay, executive director, and Vien Siu, financial officer.

Learning English Is Crucial
MHRO’s key programs promote immigration and family reunification, cultural preservation and civic empowerment, and education and training in English. The language barrier is the greatest obstacle that MHRO’s clients encounter in the resettlement process.

"The Montagnard people lived far away from cities in the highlands and had many restrictions placed on their education," explains Rong. "As a result, many speak only their native language, or know a little Vietnamese or French." This remains an enormous barrier to refugees seeking employment and integrating into their new communities in the United States. It is difficult to find translators skilled in the Montagnard language, and it often takes two to three years of ESL classes for MHRO’s clients to progress.

Indeed, Rong can recall numerous times that he or Vien received calls from clients needing translation help at odd hours—clients have called him as early as 6 AM on weekends and often approach him in church. Due to such demand, MHRO’s six part-time staffers make themselves available for emergencies, which they consider a crucial service for the community. "When communicating in their own language, refugees don’t feel afraid or sad," says Vien.

One Family’s Story
Rong and Vien are especially proud of MHRO’s efforts to reunite families. They fondly recall the story of H’Ri Rmah, a Montagnard woman who has been reunited with her husband, Dreng Siu, in Raleigh, N.C.

In Vietnam, Rmah was routinely threatened and harassed by local police for her attempts to apply for emigration papers. After MHRO lobbied on her behalf, the Vietnamese government released passports for the family. R’Mah’s children are now enrolled in school and the family has moved into a new home.

The story of Mrs. H’Ri Rmah is just one of hundreds. "The saddest news is that the Montagnard people face continuing discrimination and persecution in Vietnam," says Rong.  In addition, complicated paperwork hinders eligible individuals from entering the United States, and tightened immigration measures have made the process more complex still. There are currently 26 families waiting for an exit visa from Vietnam, far more than Rong and Vien would like to see.

Despite the obstacles, Rong and Vien are optimistic about their work and proud of the organization’s numerous successes. With the help of MHRO, 56 families have settled in the United States. This year, the organization has succeeded in obtaining 120 green cards for clients and aided 11 more with citizenship petitions; eight have been granted citizenship.

Forging Partnerships for the Future
MHRO has formed successful partnerships with several community organizations to increase the span of its work and the resources available to clients. MHRO's work with immigration services is provided free of charge to clients, thanks to a grant from the Office of Refugee Resettlement. And ten clients have applied for homes through the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Such developments encourage Rong and Vien. "With the entire Montagnard community united, it will be easier to fight for political rights, visas and family reunification," says Rong.  "We are eager for the day when the Montagnard community gains enough strength to help others in need."

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