Vietnam's Foreign Affairs Ministry on January 25 rejected a report by Human Rights Watch which describes the human rights situation in the country as dire.

An art performance at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi. Photo: Lai Tan/The Hanoi Times

"We reject and condemn the so-called Human Rights Watch for the untruthful and fabricated information in its report," ministry spokesman Pham Thu Hang told the press.

Hang said it was not the first time that Human Rights Watch had issued such a slanderous, biased and malicious statement about Vietnam with the aim of sabotaging the country's socio-economic development and isolating it from the international community.

"The Vietnamese government's efforts, determination and achievements in ensuring fundamental human rights have been demonstrated by the country's socio-economic growth achievements, which have been highly appreciated and acknowledged by the Vietnamese people and the international community," the spokesperson said.

In 2023, Vietnam recorded a 5% GDP growth rate, which was a positive result amidst the global uncertainties, and made Vietnam one of the best-performing economies in the region and in the world.

Average per capita income rose 6.8% year-on-year in 2023, while 94% of all households saw their income improve year-on-year. Vietnam also moved up 12 places to 65th in the United Nations' World Happiness Report 2023.