Vietnam requests exclusion from US religious freedom watch list

“Vietnam’s consistent policy is to respect and ensure human rights as well as the freedom of religion and the belief of the people. This is clearly stipulated in the 2013 Constitution as well as in Vietnam’s legal system,” spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said in a press meet.

Hang was responding to inquiries on U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Jan. 4 saying Vietnam has been designated on the U.S.’s Special Watch List on religious freedom.

She said Vietnam finds that “regrettable” and requested that the U.S. stop putting Vietnam on the list, adding that there needs to be “objective assessments based on accurate and comprehensive information on the religious freedom in Vietnam.”

“Vietnam is ready to discuss with the U.S. on issues of mutual concern in the spirit of candidness, openness and mutual respect to contribute to the development of our comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and development,” Hang said.

She reaffirmed Vietnam’s efforts and achievements when it comes to ensuring human rights, including religious and belief freedom, which have been recognized by the international community.