What is reunification camp?

Reunification camps, also known as "re-education camps" or "rehabilitation centers," are facilities in Vietnam where young people are sent to undergo a period of mandatory ideological and behavioral training. These camps were established in post-war Vietnam in 1975 as a way to promote a socialist and communist ideology among the younger generation.

The camp program typically lasts for 1-3 years, during which time the participants are taught about Vietnamese history, culture, and politics. They are also required to engage in physical labor, learn life skills such as cooking and sewing, and participate in sports and other recreational activities.

The participants in reunification camps are typically teenagers and young adults who are deemed to have engaged in "counter-revolutionary" activities, such as protesting against the government or expressing dissenting political views. According to government sources, the camps are intended to help young people understand and embrace the values of the Vietnamese Communist Party and become productive members of society.

Critics of the camps, however, argue that they are often used as a tool of political repression, and that the conditions within the camps can be harsh and abusive. Human rights groups have documented cases of physical and psychological abuse, including beatings, solitary confinement, and forced labor.

Today, reunification camps continue to operate in Vietnam, albeit with some changes and reforms. The government has promised to improve conditions within the camps and provide more educational opportunities to the participants. However, concerns about the legality and morality of this type of detention continue to be raised by human rights organizations and civil society groups.