Lack of understanding

After reading the article The real scandal about Vietnam: Lack of freedom by a Mr. Jared Genser, published in The Jakarta Post on Aug. 28 , I had the impression that the article, deliberately or not, provided a wrong picture of the current situation in my country, Vietnam.

The article seemed to totally lack accuracy and true information on the issue of religion and democracy in Vietnam. I felt obliged to provide the following information so that readers can understand correctly the situation in my country.

First, in Vietnam, at present there are 20 million followers of six major religions, including six million Buddhists and 5.3 million Catholics, with over 60,000 dignitaries and clergymen and 30,000 religious sites.

There are 15 religious organizations established by different religions and recognized by the state. In our Constitution, freedom of religion is guaranteed.

Freedom of religion was further enhanced with the passage on July 12, 2004, of a state ordinance on religion and beliefs, which spells out clearly the basic rights of those who practice a religion or hold certain beliefs. The above ordinance has been widely welcomed by religious communities in the country.

Second, our history has shown that Vietnam has always been a staunch fighter for upholding human rights and has made tremendous sacrifices in order to protect human rights for individuals and for the nation.

Over the past years, Vietnam has recorded significant achievements in various areas, thus creating very good premises and physical conditions for the people to exercise and uphold their fundamental freedoms. Vietnam has been recognized by the world community as one of the leading countries in the quest for poverty eradication, where political security and social stability is maintained and where human rights are fully respected.

Since 1986 up to now, 40 legal codes and more than 100 ordinances and many other legal documents concerning human rights have been promulgated. As such, in various bilateral mechanisms on the exchange of human rights with other countries, our successes in the area of human rights and democracy have been duly recognized and praised.

Last, while relations between Vietnam and the United State are being further improved, any attempt to hinder that movement is not beneficial at all.

BUI QUANG HUNG, First Secretary, (Press and Information), Vietnamese Embassy, Jakarta