Viet Nam Human Rights
Vesak 2019 demonstrates VN’s respect for freedom of religion
30/7/19
The successful organization of the 16th United Nations Day of Vesak earlier this year helped demonstrate Vietnam’s respect for the freedom of belief and religion, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh said at a meeting on July 29.The meeting was held by the Government’s working group and the People’s Committee of the northern province of Ha Nam to review the organization of the UN Day of Vesak 2019.
The UN Day of Vesak 2019 was hosted by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at Tam Chuc Pagoda in Kim Bang district of Ha Nam from May 12 to 14. Themed “Buddhist Approach to Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Sustainable Societies”, it brought together 1,650 delegates from 112 countries and territories worldwide.
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| A boat performance on Tam Chuc Lake in front of Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam province on July 14 to mark the conclusion of the UN Day of Vesak 2019__Photo: VNA |
Deputy PM Binh said thanks to efforts by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the Xuan Truong company, along with the support of the Party and State’s leaders and relevant ministries, sectors and localities, the country created a memorable UN Day of Vesak, leaving a good impression on foreign friends and delegates to the event.
He stressed that the successful organization once again affirmed Vietnam’s support for the UN’s activities and the ethical values of religions, including Buddhism.
With the Ha Nam Declaration, the event further highlighted Vietnam’s consistent respect for the people’s freedom of belief and religion and the favorable conditions created for religions to be practiced in line with legal regulations. It also showed the country’s wish to be a friend and trustworthy partner of international friends, as well as a responsible member that always supports activities initiated and organized by the UN.
Through the UN Day of Vesak 2019, foreign friends gained an insight into the improvements in the religious life in Vietnam and learned more about the country’s land and people, he added.
At the meeting, 12 collectives and 13 individuals with outstanding achievements in the organization of the UN Day of Vesak 2019 were presented with merit certificates by the chairperson of the Ha Nam People’s Committee.
The UN’s commemoration of Vesak has been held three times in Vietnam so far. Previously, it took place in Hanoi in 2008 and Ninh Binh province in 2014.
The UN General Assembly on December 15, 1999 recognized the Day of Vesak to celebrate the thrice-sacred event of the life of the Buddha Gautama (birth, enlightenment and death) and to acknowledge the contributions that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made to humanity.
The UN Day of Vesak was first celebrated in 2001.
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All comments [ 20 ]
Vietnam has consistently pursued the policy of respecting and guaranteeing the right to freedom of citizens to follow or not follow any religion and belief.
This is clearly stated in the country’s Constitution, continuously improved in its legal system and policies on belief, and guaranteed and respected in reality.
up to 95 percent of the Vietnamese population practise a belief or religion, of which over 24.3 million or 27 percent of the population are religious followers.
There are more than 8,000 religious festivals in the country each year.
the country has hosted many major international religious events such as the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in 2017 and the United Nations Day of Vesak for the third time this year.
The US’s report recognised achievements and progress Vietnam has made in ensuring and promoting religious life
The 16th United Nations Day of Vesak has successfully wrapped up, offering participants wonderful experiences, Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, President of the International Council for Day of Vesak (ICDV)
The event brought together domestic and foreign leaders, along with dozens of thousands of Buddhist dignitaries and followers.
“Buddhist approach to global leadership and shared responsibilities for sustainable societies,” has signaled the significance of the 16th UN Day of Vesak and affirmed the core values of peace and wisdom in Buddhism, which should be spread to build peace and spur sustainable development.
With this context in mind, the Buddhist view of global leadership and social administration orientated towards a sustainable future would play a key role in dealing with these problems
The Ha Nam Declaration looks to send a message of peace, societal sustainability, and other relevant matters based on Buddha’s teachings of wisdom and compassion.
Delegates adopted an increasingly active role, both locally and globally, advocating for, working for, and supporting sustainable societies in the current context of profound social, political, economic, and cultural crises.
Regarding the mindful leadership for sustainable peace, they were resolved to emphasise dialogue and non-violent approaches for peace-building contrary to the belief that physical strength will triumph over the weak, and encouraged the notions of wisdom and compassion as the basis for any conflict avoidance and resolution.
We hope for a bright future for humankind” and that social uncertainties will be pushed back gradually.
The event has promoted Vietnam as a peaceful and friendly nation which hopes to befriend other countries, while demonstrating the Vietnamese Government’s commitments to implementing the UN Millennium Development Goals, as well as religious freedom in Vietnam.
Vietnam has consistently pursued policies on respecting and ensuring rights to freedom of religion and belief in line with law
the UN Day of Vesak is an international cultural and religious festival organised by the UN to honour the deep ethical, cultural and ideological values of the Buddha’s teachings.
the practice of Buddhist teachings is one of the ways to help society address those problems and multiply good values of human kind for a world of peace and progress
The event is also expected to bring together 1,500 domestic delegates, including Party and State leaders, representatives of ministries, agencies and localities, and monks, nuns and Buddhist followers.
the fine values of the Buddha’s teachings will be preserved, inherited and spread in various forms, demonstrating the spirit of the UN Day of Vesak.
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