Vietnam respects the right of association
Vietnam respects right of association (Photo: tuyengiao.vn)
This week, a court in Hanoi ruled that Nguyen Van Dai and his accomplices have taken advantage of the fight for “democracy, human rights, and civil society” to conceal the purpose of their group called “the Brotherhood for Democracy.”
Some out-of-tune opinions are raising the issue of Vietnam’s freedom of speech and association, while a bill on association is being debated in the country.
“Civil space” protected
A civil space for society exists in Vietnam. Though the Law on Association has not yet been finalized, many associations and civil groups already operate.
By the end of last year, Vietnam had a total of 68,000 associations working in humanitarian aid, training, health services, sports, and environmental protection. Nobody obstructs the establishment of an association or its operation, unless it violates the law.
The right of association has been acknowledged in Vietnam’s Constitution since Vietnam gained independence in 1945. Article 10 of the 1946 Constitution states that Vietnamese citizens have the right to freedom of speech, publication, assembly, association, as well as freedom of belief, residency, and traveling inside and outside the country.
Article 25 of the 1959 Constitution says, “Citizens of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam enjoy freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom of association, and freedom of demonstration. The state guarantees all necessary material conditions for citizens to enjoy these freedoms."
Article 67 of the 1980 Constitution states that citizens have the right to freedom of speech, press, association, assembly, and demonstration in line with the interests of socialism and the people. Article 69 of the 1992 Constitution says citizens have the right to freedom of speech, press, being informed, association, assembly, and demonstration in line with the law.
According to Article 25 of the 2013 Constitution, citizens have the right to freedom of speech, press, information, assembly, association, and demonstration.
Abusing freedom of assembly to oppose Vietnam is against the law
Vietnam has a large number of associations, organizations, and groups because the State has worked to maximize citizens’ legitimate rights, including the freedom of association in line with the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Vietnam is a signatory.
Article 22 of the convention states, “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of association with others, including the right to form and join trade unions for the protection of his interests.”
But the article’s provision 2 stipulates, “No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those which are prescribed by law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.” Vietnam’s Penal Code clearly defines violations of citizens’ rights.
Obviously, the establishment of associations will not be allowed if it harms national interests or the rights and freedoms of others. Vietnam’s Constitution and law respect freedom of association and no one will be restricted if their association benefits the people and their interests.
But the establishment of independent organizations which oppose the organizations in Vietnam’s political system runs counter to the interests of the people and violates Vietnamese law.
Some inpiduals touted as “political activists” or “prisoners of conscience” are truly law violators who have undergone public trials in accordance with Vietnam’s Penal Code. Reports of Vietnam’s human rights crackdown have distorted the fact that Vietnam protects the right of association.
Related News
Vietnam is ready to welcome a new wave of investment in the semiconductor industry
16:08 | 15/05/2024 Headlines
Opportunities for Vietnam to participate in the global semiconductor industry value chain
11:34 | 15/05/2024 Import-Export
Ho Chi Minh City: Enterprises overcome difficulties, exports lead the country
14:58 | 10/05/2024 Import-Export
What to do to develop Vietnam's creative economy?
10:06 | 11/05/2024 Headlines
Latest News
Promoting e-commerce human resources training in Việt Nam
19:01 | 19/05/2024 Headlines
National Assembly to work on personnel affairs on May 20
18:54 | 19/05/2024 Headlines
High-quality science, technology human resources key to sustainable growth
20:09 | 18/05/2024 Headlines
Vietnam, France look to boost economic partnership
20:06 | 18/05/2024 Headlines
More News
Opportunity for growth and investment links between Vietnam and the US
09:57 | 18/05/2024 Headlines
Positive economic transformations in four months
16:11 | 15/05/2024 Headlines
Việt Nam, Japan sign MoC on forestry co-operation
14:25 | 15/05/2024 Headlines
Mounting inflationary pressure requires Government’s flexible moves
14:20 | 15/05/2024 Headlines
Business conditions numerous and cumbersome: CIEM
14:46 | 14/05/2024 Headlines
Prime Minister chairs seminar with Chinese businesses
14:38 | 14/05/2024 Headlines
Vietnam charts vision for sustainable, modern fisheries
19:26 | 13/05/2024 Headlines
Vietnam becomes fastest growing digital economy in ASEAN: HSBC
17:02 | 13/05/2024 Headlines
Maintain fiscal policy to "open the way" for the economy in 2024
13:31 | 13/05/2024 Headlines
Your care
Promoting e-commerce human resources training in Việt Nam
19:01 | 19/05/2024 Headlines
National Assembly to work on personnel affairs on May 20
18:54 | 19/05/2024 Headlines
High-quality science, technology human resources key to sustainable growth
20:09 | 18/05/2024 Headlines
Vietnam, France look to boost economic partnership
20:06 | 18/05/2024 Headlines
Opportunity for growth and investment links between Vietnam and the US
09:57 | 18/05/2024 Headlines