Viet Nam Human Rights
Religious freedom in Vietnam is an undeniable
21/8/16
The US Department of State on August 10 released the 2015 International Religious Freedom Report, which judges other countries’ internal affairs.
Although noting Vietnam’s positive
action to safeguard freedom of religion and belief, the report indicates
views that lack goodwill about Vietnam.
In its report, the US State Department
acknowledges the Vietnamese government’s efforts in protecting freedom
of religion and belief, including its collection of public opinions
about a draft law on belief and religion.
The report quotes religious leaders in
Vietnam as saying that religious freedom is expanding with an increasing
number of organizations recognized by the government.
But, as usual, the State Department
continues to slander Vietnam for violent acts, detention, prosecution,
travel restrictions, refusal to license some religious groups, and
obstruction of religious groups’ activities in education and healthcare.
The Department says Vietnam allows
limited freedom of religion and that authorities continue to obstruct
activities of unlicensed religious groups.
Vivid evidence of religious freedom in Vietnam
Vibrant religious practice and the rule
of law in protecting human rights in Vietnam mean the strongest denial
of the US Department of State’s biased assessment.
In term of policy making, Vietnam has
compiled a draft Law on Belief and Religion to replace the Ordinance on
Belief and Religion, and added new content that match the reality of
religious practice in Vietnam.
The draft law stipulates “everybody”
instead of “citizens” is entitled to the imprescriptible right to
freedom of religion or belief. The coercion of following or abandoning a
religion, or abuse of religious freedom to harm the State, citizens,
and rights of religious organizations is prohibited. The draft law is
viewed as more open than the previous legal documents.
The Law on Belief and Religion will
create better legal corridor for religious, belief activities in
Vietnam. Public opinions on the draft law are being collected before the
draft is submitted to the National Assembly’s approval.
Freedom of religion and belief has long
been ensured, and the right to freely practice religion is protected.
Christmas, Buddha’s birthday and other religious festivals take place
annually, attracting the participation of hundreds of thousands of
followers.
Some major religious events have become a
common festival of all people, reflecting the harmony of religion and
life and a united Vietnamese nation. Thanks to its rich religious life,
Vietnam has become a host venue of important events for religious
followers all over world like the International Day of Vesak
celebration, also known as Buddha Day, and the plenary assembly of the
Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.
Correct assessment of religious situation to develop Vietnam-US relations
Vietnam is home to many ethnic groups
and religions and is a rare country that has seen a harmony between
religions. The State has recognized 39 religious organizations with
about 24.3 million followers, accounting for 27% of Vietnam’s
population.
There are 53,000 religious dignitaries
and 27.900 worshiping facilities. Religious organizations play an
important role in realizing the Party’s guidelines and the State’s
policies.
Religious followers have taken part in
building administrations at various levels. Many dignitaries have been
elected to the National Assembly, People’s Councils, the Vietnam
Fatherland Front, and related organizations. This reflects the
consistent and correct policy of the Vietnamese Party and State, which
has received strong response from the people.
Vietnam, a sovereign state, has the
right to punish inpiduals and organizations which take advantage of
religious freedom to sabotage the State, the national construction and
defense, and national unity.
This conforms to international and
Vietnamese laws. It’s necessary for the US State Department to assess
correctly Vietnam’s religious situation and government efforts to
protect freedom of religion or belief, so as to consolidate and develop
the Vietnam-US ties.
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All comments [ 11 ]
Vietnam acknowledges several adjustments in the US Department of State’s 2015 annual report on international religious freedom, however it still contains several subjective assessments and cites incorrect information about Vietnam.
The Vietnamese State’s consistent policy is to respect and ensure citizens’ rights to freedom of belief and religion, which is stipulated in the country’s Constitution and law.
US always condemns others for what are happening in its own country.
Vietnam is implementing numerous specific policies and measures to ensure its people fully enjoy the rights to freedom of belief and religion, which helps create an eventful, diverse religious life in the country.
The Vietnamese law strictly forbids any discrimination against citizens for religious and belief reasons.
It's unfortunate that the annual report on global religious freedom issued by the US Department of State on August 10 still contains contents exposing a narrow mindset, biased outlook and a lack of goodwill.
It still must take note of opinions by almost all heads of Vietnamese religious organisations, which said religious freedom is being expanded across the country and the government has increasingly given recognition to religious organisations.
In reality, annual religious festivals, including Christmas and the Buddha’s birthday ceremony, have been held solemnly with the participation of hundreds of thousands of followers.
The Vietnamese State has to date recognised 39 organisations of 14 religions, with 24.3 million followers, or 27 percent of the population, and 27,900 places of worship.
The Vietnamese State only punishes organisations and individuals that violate the law, or who take advantage of the freedom of religion and belief to ruin the Party and State, or to undermine the nation’s construction and safeguarding, or national unity.
As such, the US Department of State needs to have a more objective insight into Vietnam’s eventful religious and belief practices, in order to make a correct assessment in conformity with the two countries’ increasingly growing relations.
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