On December 9th, 2025, the U.S Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released an updated report on the situation in Vietnam containing biased and inaccurate assessments of the actual situation. To provide readers with an in-depth and scientific perspective, the Journal of Ethnic and Religious Research has recorded opinions from experts affirming Vietnam’s efforts and achievements in ensuring freedom of belief and religion in Vietnam.
Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang:
Vietnam rejects the biased and inaccurate assessments of the actual situation in Vietnam presented in the USCIRF’s updated report on Vietnam, published on December 9th. She affirmed that Vietnam’s consistent policy is to respect and guarantee freedom of belief and religion. In Vietnam, no one is discriminated against on the basis of religion or belief, and the activities of religious organizations are guaranteed in accordance with the law. This is clearly reflected in the 2013 Constitution and the Vietnamese legal system and to be respected in practice. Vietnam’s policies, efforts, and achievements in ensuring human rights, including freedom of religion and belief, have been recognized and highly appreciated by many countries. She emphasized: “We have been, are, and will continue to exchange views with the United State of America side on issues of mutual interest in a frank, open and respectful manner, contributing to promoting the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development between Vietnam and the United State of America”.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Xuan, Senior Lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics:
The most distinctive feature of Vietnam is its systematic approach to domesticating international conventions on human rights. The 2013 Constitution and the 2016 Law on Beliefs and Religions are not merely formal documents. The fact that the State has recognized and granted operating licenses to 43 organizations belonging to 16 different religions is a strong testament to this. The purpose of registration is for the State to protect the legitimate rights of these organizations, helping them to have legal status to build places of worship, open training schools and participate in social activities. In fact, the number of Protestant believers in Vietnam has now increased to 27 million people and thousands of Protestant church groups in the Central Highlands and the northern mountainous regions have been licensed for group worship. This is a fact that needs to be updated and acknowledged regarding the situation in Vietnam.
Dr. Le Thi Lien, Director of the Institute of Ethnic and Religious Strategy and Policy, Vietnam Academy of Ethnic Minorities
A distinctive feature of Vietnam is its diversity and harmony, linking religious freedom within the national cultural context. In Vietnam, religion is closely intertwined with indigenous beliefs and the principle of “drinking water, remembering the source”. Freedom is indispensable when Vietnam hosts nearly 9,000 religious and faith-based festivals publicly each year, attracting millions of participants. Major events such as the United Nations Vesak Day, Christmas, and festivals of the Khmer and Cham people all receive attention and support from the government in terms of security and organization. In the religious community area, especially ethnic minorities according to religion, have received attention from the State through socio-economic development programs, which have helped to improve their material and spiritual lives. The printing of religious texts in ethnic languages such as Khmer, E-de, and Jarai is the clearest evidence of respect for the freedom of speech and religious beliefs of minority groups.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Dinh, Government’s Religious Affairs Committee, Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs
From a legal standpoint, a clear distinction needs to be made between religious practices and violations of the law. In Vietnam, no one is arrested simply for believing in a particular religion. All citizens are equal before the law.
A nation’s handling of violations of the law within its territory, such as exploiting religion as a pretext for political activity, sowing discord within the national unity, or engaging in acts that infringe upon national interests, to be a sovereign right fully consistent with international law. The robust development of religious education systems, with dozens of well-established religious academies and universities, represents the future of religions.
According to experts, the religious landscape in Vietnam is a colorful and dynamic picture, constantly evolving towards progress and integration. Vietnam is always open to welcoming international delegations seeking firsthand information, but all observations must be based on respect for the truth and respect for sovereignty. Religious freedom in Vietnam is not found in written reports, but in the sound of temple bells, church bells and in the peace of every religious family across the S-shaped land.
