Vietnam is always committed to guaranteeing human rights and religious freedom, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said on December 15.

Pham Thu Hang, deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo courtesy of the ministry

The Vietnamese government always abides by the 2013 Constitution, laws, and international practices on human rights and religious freedom, she said at the ministry's regular press briefing.

The nation has made endless efforts to improve the legislative system on religious freedom, Hang added.

The international community has recognized Vietnam's work and achievements in the defense of human rights and religious freedom, she said.

“The US inclusion of Vietnam in the list of countries causing concern for religious freedom issues is based on one-sided assessment and inaccurate information,” Hang said.

“Vietnam is willing to discuss shared concerns with the US on mutual respect to foster the strategic partnership between the two nations,” she said.

On December 2, the US included 12 nations, including China, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Vietnam in its special watch list for “having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom."