logo czasopisma

Articles

Vol. 54 No. 1 (2025): Law and Social Bonds nr 1 (54) 2025

Freedom of Association in Vietnam: The Journey, Challenges, and Prospects for Legal Reform

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36128/PRIW.VI54.1072
Submitted
30 October 2024
Published
9 May 2025

Abstract

Vietnam has long upheld the right to freedom of association in its constitutions, reflecting a commitment to fundamental human rights in line with international conventions. However, the country’s current legal framework (rooted in the 1957 Order No. 102) remains outdated, restricting civil society’s potential and falling short of modern needs. This article examines the intricate path toward establishing a comprehensive law on freedom of association, focusing on balancing state oversight and individual liberties. The article advocates for a progressive legal framework, emphasizing the need for reforms to nurture a vibrant civil society, positioning it as an ally in national development rather than a challenge to state authority. Such a law would enhance Vietnam’s global reputation, support sustainable development, and encourage a more dynamic, democratic society. This study adds meaningful insights to Vietnamese legal scholarship, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers and reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to harmonizing its legal landscape with national ambitions and global human rights standards.

References

  1. Bui Ngoc Son, “From Legal Limitations to the Stopping Point of the Law on Associations” Journal of Legislative Studies, No. 27 (2007): 43-55.
  2. Bui Quang Ba, “From ‘Civil Society’ to Pluralism and Multi-Party Politics: A Roadmap to Political Change in Vietnam”, [in:] Proceedings of the Scientific Conference on Criticism of Wrong Views, Protection of the Party’s Policies. Central Theoretical Council, 2018.
  3. Bui Thanh Tuan, “Promoting ‘Civil Society’ in Vietnam: A Dangerous Form of Hostile Force Sabotage” National Defense Journal, (2022).
  4. Bui Thanh Tuan, “The Development of Civil Society and Dynamics of Governance in Vietnam’s One-Party Rule” Global Change, Peace & Security, No. 1 (2013): 77-93.
  5. Cao Dieu Linh, Anh Tuan Nguyen, “Improving the Effectiveness and Efficiency of State Management on International Economic Integration in the New Situation” Journal of Finance, No. 10 (2018): 25-38.
  6. Cao Vu Minh, “The Law on Associations Should Reflect a More Prominent Renewal of State Management Thought” Journal of Legislative Studies, No. 21 (2016): 40-49.
  7. Cao Vu Minh, Nhat Khanh Nguyen, “The Law on Associations: A Legal Basis for State Management of Associations” Journal of Legal Science, No. 2 (2017): 14-15.
  8. Cao Vu Minh, State Management Decisions of the Government: Theory and Practice. National Political Publishing House-Truth, 2017.
  9. Cao Vu Minh, Van Huan Vu, “Improving Legal Regulations on Disciplinary Authority of Public Officials” Journal of Legislative Studies, No. 19 (2022): 42-49.
  10. Dietrich Frank, “Who are the People? Associative Freedom and the Democratic Boundary Problem” Critical” Review of International Social and Political Philosophy, 17 November 2023. https://philpapers.org/archive/DIEWAT.pdf.
  11. Dinh Dung Sy, “Vietnam’s Legal System in the Process of National Renewal and Development” Journal of Legislative Studies, No. 01 (2020): 9-19.
  12. Dutta Nikhil, Francesca Fanucci, Civil Society, Under Threat Worldwide, Needs a General Comment on the Right to Freedom of Association. https://www.justsecurity.org/98089/civil-society-freedom-of-association/.
  13. Fowler Alan, Public Interest Law Initiative. Enabling Civil Society: Practical Aspects of Freedom of Association. A Source Book. 2nd ed., Public Interest Law Initiative, 2003.
  14. Gumede Vusi, “South Africa’s Journey towards a Democratic Developmental State” Africanus: Journal of Development Studies, No. 2 (2019): 1-23.
  15. Heurlin Chrostopher, “Governing Civil Society: The Political Logic of NGO-State Relations Under Dictatorship” Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, No. 2 (2009): 222-224.
  16. Hoang Ngoc Giao, “Some Foundational Ideas for Drafting the Law on Associations” Journal of State and Law, No. 12 (2005):16-27.
  17. Hoang Thi Kim Que., “On Constitutionalism: The Direct Effect of the Constitution and Its Necessity in the 1992 Constitution Draft Amendment” Journal of Legislative Studies, No. 12 (2013): 3-6.
  18. Irish Leon E., Simon Karla W., “Freedom of Association, Recent Developments Regarding the Neglected Right” International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law, No. 2 (2000).
  19. La Khanh Tung, Xuan Hoa Nghiem, Cong Giao Vu, A Rights-Based Approach to Associations and Freedom of Association. Hanoi: Hong Duc Publishing House, 2015.
  20. Le Thanh Binh, “Solutions to Strengthen State Management of Associations in Vietnam” Journal of State Management, No. 237 (2015): 52-56.
  21. Loughlin Martin, “The Rule of Law: A Slogan in Search of a Concept”. Hague Journal on the Rule of Law, vol. 16 (2024): 509-523.
  22. Mai Van Thang, “The Law on Associations and Mechanisms to Ensure the Right to Freedom of Association in Russia” Journal of State Management, No. 248 (2016): 111-118.
  23. Nguyen Dang Dung, Nguyen Dang Duy, “Associations in Civil Society and the Draft Law on Associations in Vietnam” Journal of Legislative Studies, No. 12 (2016): 25-32.
  24. Nguyen Le, More than 90% of Deputies Agree Not to Pass the Law on Associations. https://vneconomy.vn/hon-90-dai-bieu-dong-y-chua-thong-qua-luat-ve-hoi.htm.
  25. Nguyen Ngoc Dien, “On Constitutionalism: Ensuring the Independence of Constitutional Jurisprudence” Journal of Legislative Studies, No. 15 (2012): 3-5.
  26. Nguyen Si Dung, “On the Philosophy of Legislation” Journal of Legislative Studies, No. 6 (2003): 6-13.
  27. Nguyen Thi Nu, “The Right to Form Associations under the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam” Journal of Hue University of Science: Social Sciences and Humanities, No. 6C (2021): 83-91.
  28. Nguyen Tien Lap. The Right to Form Associations: A Different Perspective and Approach. https://thesaigontimes.vn/153086/Quyen-lap-hoi-can-mot-goc-nhin-dung-va-cach-tiep-can-khac.html.
  29. Nguyen-Pochan Ti Than Puong, “The Draft Law on Association in Vietnam: Legal, Political, and Practical Norms Under Debate”, [in:] The Palgrave Handbook of Political Norms in Southeast Asia. ed. Gabriel Facal, ‎Elsa Lafaye de Micheaux, ‎Astrid Norén-Nilsson. London: Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore, 2024.
  30. OECD, Innovative Citizen Participation and New Democratic Institutions. Paris: OECD Publishing, 2020. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/innovative-citizen-participation-and-new-democratic-institutions_339306da-en.html.
  31. OECD, Overview: Enabling Civil Society through Effective Development Cooperation. In Development Assistance Committee Members and Civil Society. Paris: OECD Publishing, 2020.
  32. Pham Duc Toan, “Reflecting on the Development of Management Thought and Its Significance for Leadership in the Current Period” Journal of State Management, No. 240 (2016): 46-58.
  33. Pham Quang Huy “The Private Nature of Civil Associations and Comments on the Draft Law on Associations of Vietnam” VNU Journal of Science: Legal Studies, vol. I (2019): 53-66.
  34. Sidel Mark, “Vietnam’s Closing Legal Space for Civil Society” USALI Perspectives, No. 14 (2023).
  35. Thai Thi Tuyet Dung, “The Role of the Government in the Enactment and Implementation of National Laws” Journal of Legislative Studies, No. 9 (2014): 40-49.
  36. Thai Vinh Thang, “Some Opinions on the Draft Law on Associations” Journal of Legislative Studies, No. 10 (2016): 37-50.
  37. The Role of Associations in Innovation and National Development, ed. Thang Văn Phúc. National Political Publishing House, 2002.
  38. Tran Viet Dung, “Ensuring the Right to Freedom of Association in International Law and German Law: Some Suggestions for Vietnam’s Draft Law on Associations” Journal of Legal Science, No. 2 (2017): 50-58.
  39. Truong Hong Quang, “Some Suggestions for the Draft Law on Associations” Journal of State and Law, No. 11 (2015): 19-30.
  40. Vietnamese, Vietnam is Again Classified ‘Not Free’ in Freedom House’s Latest Report. https://www.thevietnamese.org/2023/03/vietnam-is-again-classified-not-free-in-freedom-houses-latest-report/.
  41. Vietnamnet, Why Hesitate on the Right to Form Associations? https://vietnamnet.vn/quyen-lap-hoi-sao-phai-e-de-263155.html.
  42. Vo Tri Hao, Constitutional Rights Cannot Be Arbitrarily Reduced. https://thesaigontimes.vn/quyen-hien-dinh-khong-the-bi-tuy-tien-cat-xen/.
  43. Vu Manh Toan, “Corporate Responsibility in Vietnam: Challenges for Businesses, Government, and Civil Society” Journal of Philosophy, No. 2 (2009): 13-17.
  44. Vu Tuong, “Persistence Amid Decay: The Communist Party of Vietnam at 83”, [in:] Politics in Contemporary Vietnam: Party, State, and Authority Relations, ed. Jonathan D. London. 22. London. Palgrave Macmillan, 2014.
  45. Wells-Dang Andrew, “The Political Influence of Civil Society in Vietnam”, [in:] Politics in Contemporary Vietnam: Party, State, and Authority Relations, ed. Jonathan D. London. 162 – 183. London. Palgrave Macmillan, 2014.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Most read articles by the same author(s)