Vietnam Represses Independent Religious Communities

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Vietnam: 

Vietnam Country Update – While Vietnam has made notable strides embracing recognized religious groups, these efforts are done at the expense of adherents of independent religious communities who continue to face repression of their faith. This publication examines Vietnam’s legal structure and authorities’ related enforcement against members of religious groups the state perceives as threats to its international reputation and national security. It provides an update on religious freedom violations targeting members of unregistered religious groups worshiping independently of state-approved religious organizations.

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate Vietnam as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for engaging in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, egregious religious freedom violations.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress, intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].