Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the treatment of civil society by the government of Vietnam, and of the implications for freedom of religion or belief in that country.

The UK has raised concerns about the treatment of civil society by the government of Vietnam, both publicly and privately. The UK believes the Vietnamese authorities should ensure civil society organisations can operate without fear of unfair treatment, targeting or prosecution. The UK encourages Vietnam to respect all human rights, including freedom of expression and association, in accordance with Vietnam's constitution and international commitments. In October 2024, The Minister for the Indo-Pacific raised Vietnam's obligations regarding freedom of religion or belief with her Vietnamese counterpart during the UK-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue.