Statement on
the Forthcoming Release of
Dang Dinh Bach
15 June 2026
This month, on 24 June 2026, Vietnamese environmental lawyer Dang Dinh Bach is due to be released from prison, having served his five-year sentence in full. As that day draws near, we look forward with hope to his safe release and the reunion that awaits him, with his wife, Tran Phuong Thao, and with the young son he has not yet had the chance to know.
Bach was taken from his family in June 2021, when his son was just two weeks old. He was imprisoned on charges of ‘tax evasion’ in a case that has prompted widespread concern and protest from the international community. His long-anticipated release carries with it the promise of a father returning home and a family made whole again.
Vietnam today finds itself at a turning point, with new leadership and a forward-looking agenda. In a time of global uncertainty, Bach's forthcoming release signifies a step toward environmental progress, humanitarian values, and the ambitious climate and sustainable development commitments that Vietnam has set before the world. This moment therefore carries the prospect of renewal—for a family reunited, and for Vietnam's path toward a just and sustainable future.
Dang Dinh Bach has devoted more than two decades to protecting Vietnam's communities, its environment, and its people. His work helped shape the country's Environmental Protection Law, contributed to Vietnam's landmark net-zero commitments, and helped lay the groundwork for Vietnam’s US$15.5 billion Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and pathway toward a just energy transition.
That work is not finished. The challenges of climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable development are long-term and demanding endeavours, made more so in a time of global upheaval and change. They are best served by people of Bach's expertise, integrity, and dedication working alongside government, not behind bars. His voice, his legal mind, and his commitment to communities and the environment offer important contributions to Vietnam's continued progress.
We welcome Bach’s freedom and return to his family. We look forward to the restoration of his health, and, in time and at his own pace, resumption of the work that has defined his life. We welcome Bach home.
The Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition is a group of over 30 international and regional environmental, climate justice, and human rights organizations concerned about threats to civic space and environmental defenders in Vietnam in the context of the energy transition.
#FreeDangDinhBach #StandWithBach #4YearsTooLong
Bring Him Home
Statement in Solidarity with Dang Dinh Bach on the Fourth Anniversary of His
Trial and Sentencing
January 24, 2026
Today marks four years since environmental lawyer Dang Dinh Bach was sentenced to five years in prison in Vietnam. With significant time already served, and with Tết Lunar New Year - the Year of the Horse commencing on February 17 - this moment offers an important opportunity for amnesty and reunion.
Bach was taken from his home in Hanoi in June 2021 when his son was just two weeks old, and has not seen him since, as four Tết holidays have come and gone. Bach’s health has been compromised in prison, as he suffers from asthma, and as a vegetarian, often does not receive proper nutrition.
After years of separation, Bach's wife, Tran Phuong Thao, and their young son await his return. As the Year of the Horse arrives - symbolizing strength, freedom, and generosity - we appeal to Vietnamese leaders to extend these qualities to Bach and his family.
For more than two decades, Dang Dinh Bach dedicated himself to protecting Vietnam's environment and communities. He co-founded the Law and Policy of Sustainable Development Research Centre (LPSD), supported reforms to Vietnam’s Environmental Protection Law, advocated for communities affected by public health challenges, and helped adopt legislation to limit plastic production and ban asbestos.
Bach's work contributed to Vietnam's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and helped pave the way for the US $15.5 billion Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) - achievements that have positioned Vietnam as a regional leader in climate action.
On this fourth anniversary of Bach's sentencing, we express our firm hope that Vietnam – a forerunner in sustainable development and the green energy transition – will match its ambitious climate commitments with clemency and humanitarian action. We hope that amnesty for Bach will be taken into consideration by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and the Vietnamese Amnesty Advisory Council.
The release of Dang Dinh Bach will demonstrate Vietnam's earnestness in pursuing its net-zero commitments and a just energy transition, sending a powerful message that Vietnam values both environmental progress and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting the country's environment and people, while exemplifying values of compassion and renewal.
Let this year bring freedom, reunion, and hope for Dang Dinh Bach and his family.
The Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition is a group of international and regional environmental, climate justice, and human rights organizations concerned about threats to civic space and environmental defenders in Vietnam in the context of the energy transition.
#FREEBACH
#FOURYEARSTOOLONG
Stand with Dang Dinh Bach: Four Years of Unjust Imprisonment
Join our global movement to free Dang Dinh Bach and other environmental and climate defenders.
Join the Global Letter Writing Campaign
We're calling on the world to write letters of solidarity for Bach and other detained environmental and climate defenders, who are wrongfully imprisoned on unfounded charges and under harsh and degrading conditions.
We cannot stay silent. Please join our global letter-writing campaign to express solidarity with Bach and call for his immediate release.
The Climate Crisis and Arrests in Vietnam
Climate Leaders Imprisoned Amid Vietnam’s Climate Commitments
Vietnam pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, joining global partners to mitigate climate change, while simultaneously arresting and detaining the country’s most prominent climate leaders.
We call on the Vietnamese government to demonstrate climate leadership by releasing our colleague Dang Dinh Bach.
We call on G7 nations and financiers who are supporting Vietnam’s just energy transition to call for Bach’s release and the space for autonomous participation of civil society organizations in Vietnam’s climate action.
The green energy transition will not succeed until environmental defenders can participate actively and independently without being criminalized.
The Missing ‘Just’ in Vietnam’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP)
The country’s civic space is “closed” and its human rights record is worsening as it implements the $15.5 billion Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) announced in December 2022.
Vietnam is already in violation of the 'just' aspect of the JETP. Civil society is barred from participating, and the wrongful arrests of environmental defenders have created a disabling environment for environmental civil society organizations to operate.
Vietnam’s Violation of the JETP
Global Call to Action
We call on the Vietnamese government to permit and protect environmental defenders and release Dang Dinh Bach.
We also call on G7 nations and financiers supporting Vietnam’s just energy transition to call for the autonomous participation of civil society in Vietnam’s climate action.
The green energy transition will not succeed until environmental defenders can participate actively and independently without being criminalized.
The Time to Act Is Now
Coalition Information
About the Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition
This website is supported by the Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition, who are calling for the immediate release of Dang Dinh Bach and other environmental defenders globally.
