In 2022, Vietnam was elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the second time. This reflects the international community's recognition of Vietnam's efforts and achievements in ensuring the rights of its citizens in all areas, including religious issues for the people in the mountainous regions.
Lu A Xua, a parishioner of the Hau Thao sub-parish, decorates his house in preparation for Christmas. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Children at the Hau Thao sub-parish during a catechism class. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
The parishioners of the Hau Thao sub-parish (Hang Da Hamlet, Hau Chu Village, Hau Thao Commune, Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province) gather at the church on festival day. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
The Mong protestants in Sin Suoi Ho Hamlet gather for the Christmas celebration. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
A solemn ceremony held in the courtyard of the stone church in Sa Pa. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
The Party and State of Vietnam always affirm that belief and religion are the spiritual needs of the people, which have been and will be coexisting with the nation, and followers of all religions are part of the great national unity bloc.
A Vietnamese delegation paid a working visit to the US from October 10-22 during which Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Vu Chien Thang called on both sides to increase constructive dialogue to clarify religious issues and avoid misunderstandings that may impact bilateral relations.
The year 2023 has witnessed many important events that affirm Vietnam's positive contributions to protecting and promoting human rights in general, and the right to freedom of belief and religion in particular at both the international and national levels.
The diversity of religious activities, including festivals, clearly demonstrates that the right to freedom of belief and religion in Vietnam is guaranteed in line with Article 24 of the 2013 Constitution which stipulates that everyone shall enjoy freedom of belief and religion, and can follow any religion or follow none; and the State respects and protects the freedom of belief and of religion, according to insiders.