27% of Vietnam’s population are religious followers
Hanoi said part of the US report on freedom of religion in Vietnam is entirely partial.
More than 25 million of people in Vietnam or 27% of the country’s population are people of all faiths, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
| Vietna's nuns celebrate the UN Day of Vesak 2019. Photos: VNA |
As a whole, roughly 95% of Vietnam’s population follow their own religious practices, MoFA’s Deputy Spokesperson Doan Khac Viet said at a press conference in Hanoi on April 29, adding that the figures largely show Vietnam’s consistent policy on respecting the people’s rights to religious freedom.
Viet made the statement in responding to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)’s 2021 Annual Report in which Vietnam is blamed for “systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations” of religious freedom.
He said Vietnam’s full religious freedom is obviously stipulated in the Constitution and laws, affirming that Vietnam always facilitates religious practices and believers’ international connection.
| Christmas Eve in Ho Chi Minh City. |
The USCIRF 2021 Annual Report covers part of content that is unfair and untrue about Vietnam’s situation, Viet said, noting that acts of abusing the right to freedom of religion in Vietnam are all handled according to the law.
Vietnam is willing to talk with the US on issues of mutual interest in a straightforward, open, and respectful manner, contributing to the comprehensive partnership, the official said.
Regarding to the believers, Vietnam is home to more than seven million Catholics and over one million Protestants.
