Vietnam has 54 ethnic groups who have been united in past struggles against foreign invaders and the current national construction and development effort. Each ethnic group has its own culture making Vietnamese culture diverse and rich. The Communist Party of Vietnam has always considered ethnic affairs and national unity strategic priorities in carrying out the Vietnamese revolution.

Policies on national unity in place

Party Resolution 24 on ethnic affairs stipulates that ethnic affairs and national unity played a strategically important role in all development periods of the Vietnamese revolution. The 2013 Constitution says all ethnic groups are equal and united, and help one another to develop; any discrimination against ethnicity is banned; the State implements a comprehensive development policy and creates favorable conditions for ethnic minority groups to bring into play their internal strength and contribute to national development. Equality between ethnic groups is reflected in all aspects of life. Vietnam’s policies on strengthening national unity aim at maintaining national independence and unity, and achieving the goal of prosperity, equality, democracy, and civilization.

Thanks to these policies, Vietnam’s national unity bloc has been strengthened. Ethnic groups whether a minority or a majority and regardless of their development level are equal in terms of politics, culture, society, security, defense, rights and obligations. Vietnamese ethnic groups help one another to develop and respect one another’s interests, tradition, culture, language, and customs. Ethnic minority groups who account for 14% of Vietnam’s population, have contributed greatly to national economic growth, national defense, and security. Religious followers, who account for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s population, have joined other Vietnamese people in patriotic emulation movements and humanitarian programs, and promoted fine values and morale of religions to contribute to national development.

National unity bloc is unshakable

Vietnam has strengthened the national unity bloc by gathering people of all social strata, especially ethnic minority groups and religious followers to implement policies on national unity. Local administrations have increased communications to raise people’s vigilance against distortions against national unity and implemented measures to meet people’s aspirations and improve their living standards.

The Vietnamese State has fine-tuned institutions, policies and laws to ensure state power belongs to the people, has upheld the people’s right to mastery, and has listened to people’s aspirations. Legal documents, mechanisms, and policies on ethnic and religious affairs have been put in place to mobilize the strength of national unity. The State has implemented specific policies and paid attention to people of all social strata, particularly war invalids, families of martyrs, and revolution contributors, and created conditions for all people to participate in national construction and defense.

The State has created opportunities for the people to discuss and give their opinions on major national issues, promulgated a mechanism for grassroots democracy, and promptly addressed issues of public concern. Administrations at all levels have held regular meetings to address people’s problems.