David Sapterstein, Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom, and a delegation from the US Department of State took a fact-finding tour in Vietnam from March 26 to 31.

On March 30 and 31, the officials had working sessions in the Central Highlands provinces of Kon Tum and Gia Lai, where they learnt about support given to local residents and religious organisations.

Ambassador David Sapterstein at a working session in Gia Lai province.

They were informed that religious organisations work with local administrations on charitable activities to improve the living conditions of local people – especially poor, ethnic minority households.

According to Sapterstein, the working sessions took place in an open and frank manner.

He said he received information on improvements in religious activities in Vietnam from international religion organisations.

He also spoke about positive revisions of regulations on religion, adding that he and his co-workers understood more about local religious freedom after visiting Kon Tum and Gia Lai provinces.

In Hanoi, he was greeted by Deputy Minister of Public Security To Lam.

Lam told his guest that human rights are a motivation for the development process in Vietnam and have been institutionalised in the Constitution and laws, and ensured by guidelines, policies and mechanisms.

He added that Vietnam is a member of important international conventions on human rights, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Any racial discrimination or division is forbidden in Vietnam, where the right to religious freedom is written in the Constitution, Lam stressed.

The Government has made an effort to ensure the people follow their own beliefs and religions, considering this a crucial part of reform and socio-economic development.

Religious and non-religious people are equally respected by law, and all religions look toward building Vietnam into a country of peace and stability, Lam said.

He expressed his belief that the US officials’ working visit will allow the two countries to gain a deeper understanding of human rights and religious affairs for the sake of their interests, and peace and development in the region and the world.

Saperstein said he was delighted to visit Vietnam again, at a time when the two countries’ cooperation is growing.

He shared Lam’s belief that the visit will enable the two sides to share knowledge on issues of mutual concern.

Source: VNA