Distorted arguments about the situation of freedom of belief and religion in Vietnam
In the recent annual report on the situation of international religious freedom, the US International Committee for Religious Freedom (USCIRF) made negative assessments of the situation of religious freedom in Vietnam. This is not the first time the USCIRF organization has made unclear, unobjective accusations and accusations about the situation of freedom and religious beliefs in Vietnam.
In the 2026 Annual Report, this organization continues to issue accusatory, one-sided reports that the Vietnamese government "targets members of unregistered religious groups", "independent religious groups". According to the report, measures such as monitoring, inspecting or preventing the activities of these groups are considered manifestations of restricting religious freedom.
Although considered an independent advisory body, USCIRF's activities are often criticized by many countries and international organizations for their uncooperative and inaccurate assessments, aimed at negatively affecting the internal situation of countries. An agency that declares protection of religious freedom but ignores court judgments, ignores the victim's right to life and relies on information from individuals and organizations related to terrorism, making it difficult to maintain objectivity and ethics. These activities aim to incite, cause riots, and violence in domestic religious hotspots, creating opportunities for external intervention and reducing Vietnam's prestige in the international arena.
Respect and ensure the freedom of belief and religion of the people
Article 24 of the 2013 Constitution affirms: "Everyone has the right to freedom of belief, religion, to follow or not follow any religion. Religions are equal before the law. The State respects and protects the right to freedom of belief, religion. No one is allowed to infringe upon freedom of belief, religion or take advantage of belief, religion to violate the law".
Along with the 2013 Constitution, since the 2016 Law on Belief and Religion entered life, the number of dignitaries, officials, places of worship and religious citizens has increased over time, in all religions.
Vietnam ensures the right to freedom of belief and religion for tens of millions of people, with thousands of religious establishments operating legally. In the recent election, with 99.68% of voters voting, showing a vivid picture of the implementation of citizen rights. In this success, there is the contribution of more than 27 million followers of different religions (accounting for about 27% of the population), showing the concern of religious compatriots for the country's important political event.
Regarding delegates participating in the election according to the list of candidates for the 16th National Assembly, delegates of the People's Councils at all levels for the 2026 - 2031 term announced, a diverse structure can be seen with the presence of dignitaries and monks of religious organizations.
The participation of religious dignitaries in the election to the highest state power is proof of political equality.
At a recent regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang emphasized: "Vietnam resolutely rejects the assessments stated in the 2026 annual report of the US International Committee for Religious Freedom. These are unobjective, inaccurate assessments and based on evidence with malicious intent aimed at Vietnam.
Vietnam affirms its consistent policy of respecting and ensuring human rights, including the right to freedom of belief and religion, which is clearly expressed in the 2013 Constitution in Vietnam's legal system and is respected in practice.
