Montagnard Foundation, Inc.

The Montagnard Foundation, Inc. (MFI), also known as the Degar Foundation, Inc., is a private, nonprofit corporation based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA. Founded in 1990 by Kok Ksor, it received tax-exempt status in August 1992 under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization's overriding mission is to preserve the lives and culture of the indigenous Montagnard (Degar) people of Vietnam's Central Highlands, and to restore, safeguard, and monitor their innate and inalienable human rights as described in United Nations covenants and declarations. MFI pledges to accomplish its mission through peaceful, humanitarian, and non-military means in the spirit of international cooperation. The foundation is a non-membership organization led by its founder and president, Kok Ksor, who was sent to the United States by General Y-Bham Enuol, founder and leader of FULRO, with a mission of gaining world assistance for the Degar people. MFI represents the Degar people in various international arenas, including the United Nations Workshop for Indigenous Peoples, before ambassadorial-level representatives of Permanent Missions to the United Nations, the U.S.-NGO Forum on Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia, the International Decade of Indigenous Peoples, and before humanitarian program planning bodies of U.S. development assistance. The organization has been a vocal critic of the Vietnamese government's treatment of Montagnards, particularly regarding land rights and religious freedom. It has documented cases of land confiscation, forced resettlement, violence, and harassment against Montagnards who practice their indigenous religions. In addition to advocacy, MFI has been involved in providing direct aid to Montagnard communities, including legal assistance for those facing persecution, support for refugees, and education initiatives. It also operates a program to resettle Montagnard refugees in the United States and other countries. MFI's work has received both praise and criticism. Supporters view it as a crucial voice for an often-overlooked minority group and a necessary advocate for human rights in Vietnam. Critics argue that its focus on Montagnard separatism risks inflaming ethnic tensions and undermining Vietnam's stability. The Vietnamese government has designated the Montagnard Foundation as a militant or separatist group and has accused it of being influenced by foreign governments and organizations. Despite these challenges, MFI continues to be a leading voice for Montagnard rights and a key player in the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights in Vietnam.

The Montagnard Foundation, Inc. (MFI), also known as the Degar Foundation, Inc., was founded in 1990 by Kok Ksor, a Montagnard exile who was sent to the United States by General Y-Bham Enuol, the founder and leader of FULRO (United Front for the Liberation of Oppressed Races). General Enuol directed Kok Ksor to explore every peaceful avenue for the reinstatement of the legitimate rights of the Degar people under international law. The foundation received its tax-exempt status in August 1992 under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. MFI's mission is to preserve the lives and culture of the indigenous Montagnard (Degar) people of Vietnam's Central Highlands and to restore, safeguard, and monitor their innate and inalienable human rights as described in United Nations covenants and declarations. The organization operates through peaceful, humanitarian, and non-military means. It is a non-membership organization led by its founder and president, Kok Ksor. Since its founding, MFI has engaged in advocacy at international forums. It represents the Degar people at the United Nations Workshop for Indigenous Peoples, before ambassadorial-level representatives of Permanent Missions to the United Nations, at the U.S.-NGO Forum on Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia, during the International Decade of Indigenous Peoples, and before humanitarian program planning bodies of U.S. development assistance. Kok Ksor, a member of the Transnational Radical Party, brought the persecution of the Montagnard people to the platform of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO). The foundation has been a vocal critic of the Vietnamese government's treatment of Montagnards, particularly regarding land rights and religious freedom. It has documented numerous cases of land confiscation and forced resettlement of Montagnard communities, as well as instances of violence and harassment against Montagnards who practice their indigenous religions. MFI has also provided direct aid, including legal assistance for Montagnards facing persecution, support for Montagnard refugees, and education initiatives. It has established a network of community centers in the Central Highlands region and operates a program to resettle Montagnard refugees in the United States and other countries. The Vietnamese government has designated the Montagnard Foundation as a militant or separatist group and has accused it of being influenced by foreign governments and organizations. The organization's work has received both praise and criticism: supporters view it as a crucial voice for an overlooked minority, while critics argue that its focus on Montagnard separatism risks inflaming ethnic tensions in Vietnam. Despite these challenges, MFI continues to be a leading voice for Montagnard rights and a key player in the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights in Vietnam.

• 2016

  Burr and Tillis introduced a resolution recognizing the bravery of the Montagnard people during the Vietnam War.

• 2012

  Kok Ksor delivered a statement to the CERD 80th Session; UN Committee highlighted pattern of racial discrimination in Vietnam.

• 2011

  Reported on Vietnamese authorities beating and tormenting Montagnard men.

• 2009

  Published opinion piece 'Ho Chi Minh’s Gifts'.

• 2000

  Published article 'The Myths And Propaganda Of Hanoi'.

• 1992

  Received tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

• 1990

  Montagnard Foundation, Inc. founded by Kok Ksor.

A non-profit human rights organization advocating for the indigenous Montagnard (Degar) peoples of Vietnam's Central Highlands through peaceful, humanitarian means.

Product categories. Human rights advocacy · Legal assistance · Refugee resettlement support · Education initiatives · Community centers

1. 1Degar Foundation Official Websitedegarfoundation.org
2. 2About Organizationdegarfoundation.org
3. 3About Usdegarfoundation.org
4. 4About Kok Ksordegarfoundation.org
5. 5Montagnard Foundation, Inc. - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
6. 6Montagnard Foundation, Inc. - Wikidatawikidata.org