January 24, 2026 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.