Vietnam’s religious freedom debate: Law vs. international scrutiny

Vietnam defends religious freedom amid mounting global criticism

Vietnam has long upheld the freedom of belief and religion, reinforced by the 2016 Law on Belief and Religion. The country’s diverse spiritual landscape reflects a history of peaceful coexistence among different faiths. Yet, recent reports from international organisations have repeatedly questioned Vietnam’s record on religious freedom, often painting a distorted picture of the situation.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has issued multiple assessments criticising Vietnam’s handling of religious freedoms. Similarly, Amnesty International has published reports, including a 2016 study alleging systematic torture of prisoners of conscience. Humanists International has also submitted statements to the UN, raising concerns about restrictions on religious practices.

In response, Vietnamese authorities argue that legal interventions target specific groups exploiting religion for destabilising purposes. Pseudo-religious factions, such as Giê Sùa, Bà Cô Dợ, Dương Văn Minh, and Giáo hội Đức Chúa Tròi Toàn Năng, have been accused of disrupting social order, particularly in remote and strategically sensitive regions. Officials maintain that administrative or legal disputes involving religious sites—sometimes framed as 'land seizures' or 'repression'—are handled strictly within the law. Critics, however, claim that certain cases of detention involving religious figures are misrepresented as broader crackdowns on faith. Authorities counter that such actions are necessary to prevent separatist or extremist ideologies from taking root under the guise of religion. The government insists that its measures aim to balance religious freedoms with public security and national unity.

The debate over religious freedom in Vietnam continues to draw international scrutiny, with organisations like USCIRF and Amnesty International highlighting alleged violations. Vietnamese officials maintain that interventions are lawful responses to abuses, not restrictions on genuine belief. The country’s legal framework remains in place, guaranteeing religious rights while addressing threats to social stability.