INTRODUCTION
The Montagnard Human Rights Organization (MHRO) is a non-profit organization established in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, in 1998, under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. MHRO is a public charity Status, under Section 509 (a) (1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible as charitable contributions (the MHRO Federal Tax ID No. Is 56-2111100).
ORGANIZATION
MHRO is a membership organization which was founded in 1998 by the former leaders of the historical Montagnard Resistance Force and Independence Movement, with the purpose to improve the human rights and life for the Montagnards in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, and to advocate for Montagnard self-determination in Vietnam.
MHRO promotes the rights and cultural heritage of the Montagnard people in Vietnam, the U.S., Europe, Canada, and throughout the world to live in freedom and dignity, sharing one heart and one vision of freedom.
MHRO’s MISSION includes refugee protection, family unity, advocacy and comprehensive Immigration Services to all refugees.
Rong Nay was the Assistant Commander of the Montagnard Resistance Force and Independence Movement, also known as FULRO, in the jungles of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, from the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 until 1985. He currently serves as the Executive Director of MHRO. He has provided direction, commitment, and vision in leading the North Carolina Montagnard community since 1986.
VISION
The MHRO vision is peace and freedom for the Montagnards , the “Anak Cu Chiang” indigenous peoples of the Central Highlands, to live in their ancestral homeland, self-governed as an independent, sovereign nation, living in a peaceful, cooperative relationship with Vietnam and other countries of SE Asia and the world, according to the principles outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
ACTIVITIES IN THE UNITED STATES
1. Advocating action by the United States government, Congress and the United Nations to stop human rights violations in the Central Highlands of Vietnam and to promote policies with the government of Vietnam that will improve the living conditions for the Montagnard people, including full religious freedom, access to education, access to development assistance and the restoration of comprehensive land rights for the tribal peoples.
2. Providing Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) accredited immigration and family reunification services to all refugees with two service centers located in Raleigh, NC’s main office and the Greensboro, NC satellite office with the goal to promote self-sufficiency in the U.S., access to employment, integration and family unity.
3 Promoting Montagnard Culture and Languages, including the development of archives and diverse cultural documentation. Promoting the performances of the MONTAGNARD American MUSIC GROUP and distribution of the historic Montagnard Music CD. Cooperating with all institutions of higher learning to encourage scholarship and research about Montagnard history, politics, culture and languages.
4. Encouraging and supporting Montagnard students who are pursuing their higher education in order to provide educated leaders for the future for the Montagnard people.
5. Develop activities for Montagnard seniors and connect them to community resources to improve their quality of life and full access to benefits.
6. Assisting Montagnard refugees living in the United States to become self-sufficient and improve their lives through activities such as classes to study English and U.S. citizenship.
ACTIVITIES IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
1. Bring to the attention of the United Nations, leaders of the free world, all democratic countries and human rights organizations, the persecution of the Montagnard people in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
2. Educate the international community about the plight of the Montagnards and continue to represent the Montagnard people in the following areas:
* The United Nations and affiliate bodies representing worldwide Indigenous Peoples
* The International Organizations which support Human Rights
* The Indigenous Peoples Organizations
ACTIVITIES IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF VIETNAM
1. Working to improve the welfare and living conditions of the Montagnard people in the Central Highlands by cooperating with international human rights groups, the United States and international relief and development organizations, and through constructive dialogue with the Vietnamese government in the future.
2. Providing scholarships and exchange student programs for Montagnard students.
3. Cooperating with international NGOs or donor nations in identifying target areas of need in the Central Highlands and providing assistance as content specialists.
4. Providing cooperation and technical assistance as needed to the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate to help facilitate Montagnard family reunification, emigration, and refugee protection.