ICC Note:

The international community has condemned Vietnam’s new Law on Belief and Religion. The law passed by a strong majority despite objections even from within the Communist Party. Critics within Vietnam include Christians, Buddhists, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, among others which are represented by the Interfaith Council of Vietnam. Outside of Vietnam the law has even drawn criticism from ASEAN, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International. Those who oppose the law claim it gives the government the right to single out any group it deems as a threat to “national unity,” while using vague language as to how threats will be measured. It also increases oversight of religious organizations. In some ways, this law may simply be a formalization of the practice of authorities in Vietnam. Church leaders have often complained of unwarranted harassment by police and authorities in Vietnam.

12/6/2016 Vietnam (Business Insider) – A controversial law on religion passed in Vietnam has triggered renewed fears of state repression in the name of national unity.

Vietnam ignored the wishes of the international community in ratifying the Law on Belief and Religion, which many fear will be used by police and authorities to persecute people of faith.

The National Assembly passed it late last month with 85 per cent of the vote, despite unprecedented objections, including some from within the country’s ruling Communist Party.

Among the law’s fiercest critics is the Interfaith Council of Vietnam, whose 27 council members – from Christian, Buddhist, Cao Dai and Hoa Hao communities – say religious groups are under no obligation to obey it.

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