(VOVorld) - Congressman Eni Falemavaega of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs has released a statement commending Vietnam’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Report which was approved by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on February 8.

Congressman Eni Falemavaega of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Falemavaega hailed Vietnam’s human rights achievements in the report, including freedom of the press, speech, association and religion, as well as ensuring the rights of prisoners. He acknowledged Vietnam’s efforts in international cooperation on human rights, including its annual dialogue with the US and the European Union.

He noted that exercising such rights and freedoms is reflected through an increase in the number of publications and radio and TV channels in Vietnam, stressing that the right to establish associations has been enshrined in Vietnam’s Constitution and is protected by law.

Falemavaega recalled his visits to Vietnam where he attended masses at different places of worship and noted that Vietnam facilitates religious activity and protects religious organizations according to the law. He said Vietnam has also made achievements in economics, health care, education, and gender equality.

The same day, the House of Representatives issued the Congressional Record acknowledging Falemavaega’s statement.