The adoption of the Law on Belief and Religion in 2016 was an important legal reform in Vietnam, creating a firm legal framework to better ensure citizens’ rights to freedom of belief and religion.
People gather at the Saint Joseph Cathedral (Big Church) for Christmas celebration (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The adoption of theLaw on Belief and Religion in 2016 was an important legal reform in Vietnam, creatinga firm legal framework to better ensure citizens’ rights to freedom of beliefand religion.
According to Spokesperson of the ForeignMinistry Le Thi Thu Hang, Vietnam has spared no efforts in improving the legalsystem and policies in the field, and recognised 42 religious organisations aslegal entities.
Religious organisations have got involved insocial activities such as establishing more than 450 health facilities and 270kindergartens, and supporting 11,800 social welfare beneficiaries.
In 2016, the Board of Representatives of theChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was recognised.
The Hieu Nghia Ta Lon Buddism and the VietnameseFull Gospel Church were granted certificates of registration for religiouspractices in 2016 and 2018, respectively.
The State has facilitated religious organisationsin printing and distributing scriptures and religious supplies.
More than 3,000 religious publications have been issued with some10 million printed copies and millions of CDs and DVDs in many languages.
Most of the religious organisations have their own websites. Internationalcooperation activities of religious individuals andorganisations are developing strongly.
Major international religious activities are held in Vietnam,such as the Vesak Festival 2014 and the 500th anniversary of the ProtestantReformation in 2017.
With the State’s support, the Vietnam Buddhist Sanghaimplemented the construction of the Khmer Theravada Buddhist Academy in theMekong Delta city of Can Tho in 2017.-VNA
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on December 19 held a meeting with 55 representatives from religious organisations nationwide to listen to religious followers’ opinions and proposals, aiming to better implement the law on belief and religions.
Observing commitments to promoting human rights is an important part of Vietnam’s efforts and also an important achievement of the country in ensuring human rights.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Duy Thang has stated that Vietnam will firmly deal with activities that violate the law and go against public morality in the name of religion.
The United Nations (UN) Day of Vesak 2019 is scheduled to take place in Tam Chuc pagoda, Kim Bang district, in the northern province of Ha Nam from May 12-14.
Vietnam ranked among the top four countries and territories at the 2025 International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), reaffirming its strong position in international academic competitions.
All 20 crew members aboard the Vietnamese oil tanker GT Unity were successfully rescued from a fire in the vessel’s engine room, thanks to the swift response of the Liberian-flagged ship Androusa and Vietnamese maritime rescue teams.
Describing Agent Orange as one of the most severe and enduring legacies of the war in Vietnam, Vietnam's former Honorary Consul to Belgium Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry warned that its impact – still affecting generations more than five decades later – could last another two to three decades.
Running from August 4 to September 2, under the hashtag #TuHaoVietNam, the campaign invites participants in two categories: “I Love My Country” video clips and “I Love My Country” check-in photos.
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on the issuance date, introduces amendments that integrate the procedure for reporting and explaining the demand for foreign workers into the process of submitting applications for work permits.
With a tight 13-month deadline, the move is under a strategic and urgent policy to bridge educational gaps, train the local workforce, and shore up territorial sovereignty in some of the country’s most remote areas.
The parade and personnel send-off ceremony will officially take place on August 10 at the area surrounding the Statue of King Ly Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang street of Hoan Kiem ward, with the participation of nearly 3,000 officers, soldiers, and local residents.
According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety.
The activities include a Vietnamese language teaching training course for overseas Vietnamese teachers from August 13 to 28 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thai Nguyen.
Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the mobile vessels return to Tuan Chau island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness.
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) plans to open to traffic 208km of expressways of six key projects by August 19, bringing the country’s total expressway network to 2,476km.
As of July 1, a two-tier local government model started in 34 provinces and cities, streamlining administration but creating a surplus of public properties. If not promptly addressed, these assets could become a financial burden.
Whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations, said Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh.
A 21-year-old Indian tourist was successfully resuscitated and treated by doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital after a near-drowning incident left him in critical condition. After three days of intensive care, the man was discharged from the hospital and has since returned to India.
In an document issued on August 5, the PM emphasised the need to stablise living conditions for people hit by floods, landslides, and flash floods in late July and early August in northern and north-central provinces, especially Dien Bien, Son La, and Nghe An which suffered some of the worst damage.
Although millions of Vietnamese were affected by AO, only over 626,000 individuals, including war veterans and their children suffering from dioxin-related conditions, are currently receiving state benefits.
The team’s haul, including one Champion title, 10 golds, seven silvers, and four bronzes, surpassed expectations. Vietnam, competing since 2019, has secured over 200 AIMO medals, cementing its regional standing.
The guiding principle for revising the national energy master plan is that energy development must align with the country’s socio-economic development strategy. The energy system should be optimised as a whole, targeting sustainable and diverse development to ensure stable and adequate energy supply to meet national goals.
The Vietnam Disability Fashion Show 2025 aimed to honour the diverse beauty of individuals, promote humanistic values, and foster equality and social inclusion.
People gather at the Saint Joseph Cathedral (Big Church) for Christmas celebration (Photo: VNA)
