Vietnam welcomed UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief
Heiner Bielefeldt on a country visit from July 21-31.
Bielefeldt’s visit was part of a cooperation framework between Vietnam and the UN mechanisms on human rights.
Since
2010, Vietnam has engaged with the Special Procedures and welcomed six
mandate holders, showing the country’s seriousness in implementing its
international commitments since it ran for a seat at the UN Human Rights
Council as well as the recommendations it has accepted in line with the
universal periodic review (UPR).
During the visit, Bielefeldt
had working sessions with representatives from central ministries and
agencies and some localities and visited some religious establishments
and individuals to learn about the practice of religion and beliefs in
Vietnam.
He was reported on the country’s policies,
efforts and achievements as well as difficulties and challenges in
ensuring and promoting people’s right to religious and belief freedom.
The UN and Vietnamese representatives exchanged views
on Vietnam’s orientations in a bid to better ensure people’s right and
freedom in the field.
At a regular press conference on July 31,
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh said that the country has made
all efforts at central and local levels to allow the UN envoy to meet
with various religious groups and stakeholders.
At a press conference concluding his visit, Bielefeldt acknowledged Vietnam’s improvements in ensuring religious freedom.
The
UN envoy cited Vietnam’s ratification of most international human
rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, whose article 18 protects freedom of thought,
conscience, religion and belief.
There are currently 37 registered religious organisations in the country with 24 million followers.
Bielefedt will present a formal report to the 28th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2015.-VNA