Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that in Vietnam no one is arrested or tried just for expressing their opinions or protecting human rights.

Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the press conference on June 24. Photo: MoFA

Hang made the statement at the press conference on June 24 in response to the European External Action Service (EEAS)’s Annual Reports on Human Rights and Democracy in the World in 2020 that describes Vietnam’s poor freedom of expression.

She said that freedom of expression in Vietnam is clearly demonstrated through the diverse channels and the media. "In fact, more than 70% of Vietnam’s population use the Internet, domestic and international social networks."

But Vietnam, like other countries, resolutely fights against acts abusing democratic rights to violate the law and infringe upon the State’s interests and legitimate rights of individuals and organizations.

The investigation, detention, and trial are conducted in accordance with the law. Detainees’ rights are all secured, she noted.

“We highly appreciate the evaluations of Vietnam’s achievements in protecting labor rights, combating child labor, and promoting gender equality in the EEAS report. Unfortunately, it remains some contents that are not objective and based on information not reflecting the reality in Vietnam,” emphasized the spokesperson.

Hang said Vietnam attaches great importance to the comprehensive cooperation partnership with the EU and gets ready to exchange talks on human rights issues in straightforwardness, openness, and respectability for mutual understanding through the annual human rights dialogues and other bilateral frameworks.

According to the spokesperson, Vietnam has always paid attention to protecting and promoting fundamental rights that are stipulated in the 2013 Constitution and legal documents that have been proved by its achievements in economy, society, healthcare, and the fight against Covid-19 as well.

Such efforts have also been recognized by the international community in many bilateral and multilateral frameworks, such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle III of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Reporters at an event. Photo: Bao Gia Lai