Vice Chairman of Government Religious Committee Nguyễn Tiến Trọng (R) and Chair of European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights Udo Bullmann

Joining the reception included Ambassador of the European Union to Vietnam  Giorgio Aliberti, and representatives of the GCRA’s divisions.

At the reception, the GCRA official welcomed the visiting delegation of the European Parliament (EP)'s Subcommittee on Human Rights for frank exchanges in order to better understand religious practices in Vietnam.

Vice Chairman Nguyễn Tiến Trọng and Chair of European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights Udo Bullmann had exchanges on specific issues including the religious life and freedom of religion in the country, religions’ operation and roles in Vietnamese society, state policy on religion, registration for religious practices and recognition of religious organizations in Vietnam under state laws, etc.

The GCRA official affirmed that the State of Vietnam has always respected, and made relentless efforts for better implementing international covenants on human rights, including the right to religious freedom. Respecting and protecting religious freedom is Vietnam's consistent policy, he stated.

The vice chairman also informed the guests that the Law on Belief and Religion 2016 has provided clear stipulations for registration of religious practices and recognition of religious organizations.

Responding to the issue raised by the guests regarding whether or not religious suppression and people sentenced and imprisoned for reasons relating religious freedom existed in Vietnam, Vice Chairman Nguyễn Tiến Trọng affirmed that there is no religious discrimination in Vietnam and no religious restriction or suppression in the country, and there is no such a thing as “vague charge” used for suppressing religious freedom. He also rejected allegations that prisoners of conscience or religious prisoners existed in Vietnam, and stated that only violators of laws would be sentenced and imprisoned in the country.

 Overview of the reception

The government religious committee official also shared about the religious diversity and harmony in Vietnam, stating that there’s no religious conflict in the country and the Vietnam State resolutely says no to evil faiths and abuse of religion for political purposes against the State, undermining state laws and public order.

While appreciating warm reception and frank exchanges from the government religious committee official, Chair of European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights Udo Bullmann expressed his delight at efforts and progress made by Vietnam Government for better safeguarding human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief.

He also expressed hope for continued collaboration in promoting legitimate rights and interests of people in the coming time.

PTT