Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang underscored at a press briefing that her nation reaffirms its consistent policy of respecting and guaranteeing human rights, including the right to freedom of belief and freedom of religion, clearly enshrined in the 2013 Constitution and the legal system, and respected in practice.

Upon commenting on the US commission’s recommendation to include Vietnam on the list of countries of particular concern regarding religious freedom, Thu Hang stressed that “these assessments are biased, inaccurate, and based on evidence with a malicious intent” directed against the country.

The spokesperson further emphasized that no Vietnamese citizen is discriminated against based on religion or belief, and the activities of religious organizations are guaranteed in accordance with the law.

Thu Hang said on Thursday that Vietnam is always willing to exchange views with the United States on issues of mutual interest in a frank, open, and respectful manner, in accordance with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development between the two countries.

VNA recently stated that the open nature of the legal system and the inclusive nature of Vietnamese society are reflected in the fact that about 95 percent of the population practices folk beliefs or follows a religion.

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