Notable events:

• Reporters Without Borders: Vietnam ‘Stagnated’ in Press Freedom Ranking
• PEN America Lists Vietnam as the Third Largest Jailer of Writers
• USCIRF Urges Designation of Vietnam as ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Due to Systematic Violations of Religious Freedom 
• Parliament Approves Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue’s Dismissal

Reporters Without Borders: Vietnam ‘Stagnated’ in Press Freedom Ranking

Political authorities worldwide have failed to fulfill their role as guarantors of a safe environment for journalism and the public’s right to reliable, independent, and diverse news and information, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) wrote in its annual 2024 World Press Freedom Index. RSF, the Paris-based advocacy group, released the report, which ranks 180 countries worldwide regarding the freedom of its press environment, on May 3, the World Press Freedom Day.

Vietnam ranked 174th in RSF’s annual index, up from 178th the previous year. According to the measurement, the higher the ranking, the more liberal a country’s media environment is. Despite its higher position this year, Vietnam’s average score plummeted from 24.58 in 2023 to 22.31. RSF measures a country’s press freedom score through five indicators: political, economic, legislative, social, and security.