Vietnam Foreign Minister spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang

Vietnam Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang told the press on Thursday about Vietnam’s view on the report:  “The report has recognized Vietnam’s progress and achievements in promoting religions and beliefs. Unfortunately, it has several unobjective assessments and cited wrongful information about the situation in Vietnam. Vietnam pursues the consistent policy on respecting and ensuring the right to freedom of religion and belief of all citizens. This has been written down in Vietnam's Constitution and legal system, and in fact, has been respected and is being enforced. Vietnam has continuously improved its legal system on religion and belief with thousands of rituals taking place every year.” 

She highlighted that Vietnam has promulgated the Law on Religion and Belief and issued decrees guiding the enforcement of the law. 

At the same time, citizens’ practices of religion and belief have been ensured, reflected through thousands of religious festivals and activities every year. 

At the press briefing, the spokeswoman expressed deep concern about Indonesia’s seizure and destruction of Vietnamese fishing boats. These were against the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and not compliant with bilateral relations. Vietnam has repeatedly contacted Indonesia in various channels and asked the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries as well as related forces to act in line with international law, the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and bilateral relations. Vietnam asks Indonesia to offer humanly treatment to Vietnamese fishing boats and fishermen in line with bilateral ties and ASEAN spirit of unity.