Vietnam reaffirms consistent policy of respecting and ensuring human rights

At the briefing, responding to a question regarding the latest annual report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which recommended placing Vietnam on the list of Countries of Particular Concern for religious freedom, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated that Vietnam firmly rejects the assessments contained in the 2026 report. She described them as lacking objectivity and accuracy, and based on misleading information with ill intent toward Vietnam.

Vietnam reaffirmed that its consistent policy is to respect and ensure human rights, including the right to freedom of belief and religion. This is clearly enshrined in the 2013 Constitution, reflected in the country’s legal system, and upheld in practice. No Vietnamese citizen is subject to discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, and the activities of religious organizations are guaranteed in accordance with the law.

“We are always ready to engage in dialogue with the US on issues of mutual concern in a frank, open, and mutually respectful spirit, in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development between the two countries,” she said.

Vietnam’s economy operates fully under market principles

Also at the briefing, in response to questions about the administration of US President Donald Trump launching a new trade investigation into excess industrial capacity among 16 major trading partners, including Vietnam, Hang emphasized that Vietnam’s economy operates fully and synchronously in accordance with market principles, and that many countries have recognized Vietnam’s market economy status.

She noted that production and business activities in Vietnam are consistently geared toward sustainable development and strictly comply with relevant regulations, including those of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

In recent years, economic, trade, and investment ties between Vietnam and the US have continued to develop positively, bringing benefits to businesses and people in both countries.

“We maintain regular exchanges and dialogue with the United States and will continue to closely coordinate with relevant US agencies to share information and clarify Vietnam’s policies and regulations, with a view to building a stable, long-term, and mutually beneficial economic cooperation framework,” she said.

In response to a question regarding the reported arrest in South Africa of a Vietnamese farm owner, Chu Dang Khoa, on allegations of rhino horn smuggling, as well as Vietnam’s measures to combat transnational wildlife trafficking, Hang said that immediately upon receiving the information, the Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa had promptly contacted local authorities to verify the case and implement appropriate citizen protection measures.

Following instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassy is continuing to work closely with South African authorities to handle the case in accordance with the law.

As a party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Vietnam remains committed to strictly implementing its international obligations on wildlife protection and combating illegal wildlife trade, the Foreign Ministry representative added.