U.S. religious report includes biased assessments of VN

The Spokesperson made the remark at the ministry’s regular press conference in Ha Noi on August 17 in response to a question regarding the US State Department’s release of the 2016 International Religious Freedom Annual Report.

“The consistent policy of the State of Viet Nam is to respect and ensure the freedom of belief and religion, and following or not following any religions. This was enshrined in the Constitution and law of Viet Nam and is ensured and respected in reality.”

That has created a very diverse life of religion and belief in Vietnam, the Spokesperson said, adding that Vietnamese law bans any religious and belief discrimination.

“The State of Viet Nam has been implementing many concrete policies and measures to ensure that people fully benefit from the right to freedom of religion and belief, including the Law on Belief and Religion, which was approved by the National Assembly in November 2016 and will take effect in January 2018.”

“The 2016 International Religious Freedom Annual Report of the US State Department had some adjustments to match the reality in Viet Nam. However, it was a regret as the report still gave some subjective assessments and cited incorrect information about Viet Nam,” the Spokeswoman highlighted./.