Vietnam rejects non-objective assessments in US International Religious Freedom

Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang made the statement at the ministry's regular press conference in Hanoi on May 9 in reply to a reporter's question about the USCIRF’s International Religious Freedom Report 2024.

‘Vietnam always consistently implements a policy of respecting and ensuring people's right to freedom of belief, religion, and the right to follow or not follow a religion. In Vietnam, no one is discriminated on the basis of religion or belief. All activities of religious organizations are guaranteed in accordance with legal regulations.

This has been clearly stipulated in Vietnam's 2013 Constitution, its legal system and is respected in practice,' the spokesperson said.

Vietnam's policies, efforts and achievements in ensuring human rights, including freedom of religion and belief, have been recognized and highly appreciated by many countries. These are also the assessments by the countries participating in the dialogue on Vietnam's national report under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.

“We have been and will continue to exchange views with the US side on issues of mutual concern in the spirit of openness, frankness and mutual respect to contribute to promoting the comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development between Vietnam and the US," Hang added.