Vietnam rejects inaccurate US religious freedom report

At a press meet on Thursday, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said Vietnam always respects and ensures religious freedom, including people’s rights to follow or not follow a religion.

She was responding to inquiries regarding a 2024 annual report issued May 1 by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Hang said no one is discriminated against for their religious or other beliefs in Vietnam, and that freedom of activity for religious organizations is enshrined in Vietnamese law.

She said Vietnam’s policies, efforts and achievements in ensuring human rights, including religious freedom, have been recognized and praised by several countries.

At a dialogue session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism in Geneva on May 7, several countries commended Vietnam’s achievements in economic development, ensuring social equity and promoting the awareness of human rights.

Vietnam would continue to dialogue with the U.S. on mutually relevant issues in the spirit of openness and respect, contributing to the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership, Hang said.