Vice Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs (GCRA) Bùi Thanh Hà received a delegation from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) led by Prof. Mary Ann Glendon on August 28.
Welcoming the delegation also included heads of the GCRA’s Office, International Cooperation Department, Legislation and Inspection Department and Protestant Affairs Department.
At the reception, Mr. Bùi Thanh Hà stated that Vietnam is a multi-religion country, followers of many different religions always co-exist in harmony, and there is no religious conflict in the country. He also affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State always respect and guarantee the right to freedom of belief and religion for every Vietnamese.
Regarding the drafting of a new law on belief and religion, Mr. Bùi Thanh Hà shared that the 5th draft of this law has been completed and it will be soon submitted to the National Assembly for consideration, and approval of this law is expected to be decided in October of 2016.
There were many workshops in the legislative process to consult opinions from the dignitaries and researchers. The draft law has also been introduced to the public on the GCRA'S web portal.
“Religious diversity in Vietnam is highly appreciated in the world”, he added. As Vietnam has a very diverse system of belief and religion, so making a law to ensure religious freedom for all different groups and organizations is not a simple job, said he.
Vice Chairman Bùi Thanh Hà also exchanged with the guests on issues raised by the delegation members, including the registration of religious activities, implementation of the State administration on religious affairs at the local level…
On behalf of the delegation, Prof. Mary Ann Glendon thanked the GCRA for its support extended to the delegation’s visit to Vietnam. She also expressed her pleasure as the USCIRF trip takes place when bilateral relations between the two countries have been moving forward with great steps.
TP
