Key Events

• Vietnam’s Crackdown on Religious Communities Prompts U.S. Commission’s Alarm
• Former Political Prisoner Vũ Quang Thuận Alleges Unauthorized Police Surveillance in Home
• Vietnam Arrests Four Khmer Krom Activists for Alleged Online Dissent
• Vietnam Launches National Data Association to Lead Digital Transformation
• Vietnam Plans Major Administrative Overhaul Across 52 Provinces and Cities

USCIRF Report Highlights Escalating Violations of Religious Freedom in Vietnam

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended that Vietnam be designated a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) due to escalating religious freedom violations. This recommendation, part of USCIRF’s 2025 Annual Report released on March 25, 2025, highlights the Vietnamese government’s increased repression of independent religious communities.

The report documents systematic abuses against groups such as Khmer Krom Buddhists, Montagnard Protestants, and Cao Đài followers. Incidents include the imprisonment of five Khmer Krom Buddhist monks, disruption of Cao Đài worship services, and forced renunciations of faith among Montagnard Protestants.