Freedom of religion in Vietnam

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While the Constitution of Vietnam officially provides for freedom of religion, in practice the government imposes a range of legislative measures restricting religious practice (such as registration requirements, control boards, and surveillance).^[1][2][3] All religious groups must register and seek approval from the government. The government requires all Buddhist monks to be approved by and work under the officially recognized Buddhist organization, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS). The number of Buddhist student monks is controlled and limited by the Committee on Religious Affairs. According to a 2020 report by Human Rights Watch, prohibited religious activities are those deemed to be contrary to arbitrary notions of the "national interest", "public order", or "national unity". Unrecognized religious groups, including Cao Đài, Hòa Hảo, and some Christian and Buddhist groups face "constant surveillance and harassment". Some religious groups may be subject to "public criticism, forced renunciation of faith, detention, interrogation, torture, and imprisonment."^[4] Laws continue to be applied unevenly however, with some local government areas taking a more relaxed and tolerant approach than others. ^{[citation needed]}

In 2023, the country was scored 1 out of 4 for religious freedom by the American organization Freedom House.^[5] In the same year it was ranked as the 25th most difficult place in the world to be a Christian by Christian mission Open Doors.^[6]