Vietnam fulfils int’l commitments on religious freedom

(VOV) -Vietnam, its agencies and localities have created conditions for Heiner Bielefeldt, a UN Special Rapporteur on religious freedom, to accomplish his July 21-31 mission in the country, meeting its commitment to the international community.

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Deputy Head of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of International Organisations Pham Hai Anh made the affirmation in response to media workers’ queries about Heiner Bielefeldt’s visit to assess religious freedom in Vietnam.

Bielefeldt’s visit is part of a cooperation framework between Vietnam and the United Nations, he said.

“The reception of the UN Special Rapporteur on religious freedom to visit Vietnam demonstrates the goodwill, cooperative and open attitude of the Vietnamese government, as well as the seriousness of Vietnam in implementing its commitments when it applied to join the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and in line with Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations”, Anh said.

During Bielefeldt’s visit, relevant Vietnamese agencies and localities have met all requirements of the UN Special Rapporteur, he said, adding they even changed or arranged other activities on the rapporteur’s request.

Anh said there appears to be a misunderstanding about a few issues that Beilefeldt raised at a July 31 press conference.

He quoted resolution 5/2 of the UNHRC as saying the host country is responsible for ensuring security and safety for the special rapporteur throughout the visit. Vietnamese law also ensures that all citizens can meet and talk to anyone they want to.

Over the years, Anh said, five special procedures of the UNHRC have been welcomed in Vietnam, and all meetings with individuals and organisations were held successfully.

Bielefeldt’s visit and the following activities of the UN Special Rapporteur on religious freedom should make a contribution to cooperation and dialogue between Vietnam and the UN, the diplomat noted.