Vietnam rejects biased, inaccurate claims in USCIRF religious freedom report
VOV.VN - Vietnam has firmly rejected what it described as “biased and inaccurate” assessments contained in a recent update on religious freedom released by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
Responding to reporters’ questions on December 19, Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said Vietnam categorically rejects the unobjective and inaccurate evaluations of the situation in the country presented in the USCIRF’s Vietnam Country Update published on December 9.
She reaffirmed that Vietnam’s consistent policy is to respect and guarantee freedom of belief and religion, stressing that no one in the country is discriminated against on religious grounds and that religious organisations operate in accordance with the law.
These principles are clearly enshrined in Vietnam’s 2013 Constitution and legal system, and are respected in practice, the spokesperson said, adding that Vietnam’s policies, efforts and achievements in ensuring human rights, including freedom of religion and belief, have been recognised and highly valued by many countries.
The spokesperson noted that Vietnam is willing to engage with the United States on issues of mutual concern in a frank, open and respectful manner, contributing to the promotion of the Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development.
Exhibition spotlighting Vietnam’s progress in protecting right to freedom of belief
An exhibition themed “Ethnicity – Faith and Heritage” kicked off in Hoi An ward, the central city of Da Nang on August 15, highlighting Vietnam’s progress in promoting and protecting human rights, particularly freedom of belief and religion, while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of ethnic minority communities.
