US’ religious freedom report makes biased assessment of Việt Nam

The US Department of State’s 2017 International Religious Freedom Report gave a biased assessment and cited untrue information on Việt Nam, stated Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lê Thị Thu Hằng.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lê Thị Thu Hằng. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The US Department of State’s 2017 International Religious Freedom Report gave a biased assessment and cited untrue information on Việt Nam, stated Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lê Thị Thu Hằng. 

Responding to questions from reporters on the report yesterday, the official affirmed that: “Việt Nam pursues the consistent policy on respecting and ensuring the right to freedom of religion and belief of all citizens. This has been written down in the country’s 2013 Constitution and legal system, and in fact, has been respected and is being enforced.” 

The diplomat said Việt Nam had spared no effort in completing its legal system on religion and belief. 

She highlighted that the country had promulgated the Law on Belief and Religion and issued decrees guiding the enforcement of the law. 

At the same time, citizens’ practices of religion and belief have been ensured, reflected through thousands of religious festivals and activities every year. 

Việt Nam acknowledged that the US Department of State’s report mentioned the country’s progress in ensuring and facilitating religious and belief practices, but regrettably, the report also made a biased assessment and cited incorrect information, Hằng stated. — VNS