A new government agency accelerates digital reform and social equality in ethnic regions.
Despite numerous domestic and international challenges, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs (MERA), in coordination with other ministries, agencies, and localities, has made continuous efforts and achieved significant results, contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable development.
Building a unified, streamlined, and effective administrative system
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hands over the National Assembly resolution on the establishment of MERA. Photo: MERA Information Portal
The establishment of MERA, based on the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs and assuming state management functions over belief and religion from the Ministry of Home Affairs, marks a strategic milestone for Vietnam’s ethnic and religious affairs.
According to the Ministry, this move reflects the strategic vision and deep concern of the Party and State for national unity and heralds a new era of synchronized policy implementation for ethnic and religious affairs and more effective state governance.
Following its establishment, the Ministry promptly stabilized its organization and operations. Its leadership adopted a focused, decisive management approach and strictly adhered to working regulations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
Subordinate units proactively developed plans and budgets from the beginning of 2025, particularly for priority tasks assigned by the National Assembly, the Government, and the Prime Minister.
The Ministry implemented the Prime Minister's “6 clears” directive: clear responsibilities, clear tasks, clear timelines, clear accountability, clear outcomes, and clear authority. This improved discipline, personal accountability, and ensured timely task completion.
Administrative reform also recorded notable progress, with tasks for the first half of the year largely completed and some exceeding expectations.
The Ministry also actively implemented personnel streamlining under Decree 178/2024/ND-CP, including forming task forces, drafting implementation plans, reviewing early retirement and resignation cases, and disbursing allowances in compliance with regulations. The goal is a lean, efficient apparatus suited for new demands.
Institutional development and digital transformation
Socio-economic conditions in ethnic and mountainous regions continue to improve. Photo: MERA Information Portal
Immediately upon formation, MERA worked to draft and issue legal documents for the governance of ethnic and religious policies.
Ethnic policy decisions now pursue multi-target, comprehensive, and sustainable development goals for ethnic minority and mountainous (EMM) areas, integrated with rural development strategies.
By consolidating multiple projects and policies under National Target Program 1719, the Ministry has reduced policy fragmentation and overlap while prioritizing investments in the most disadvantaged regions. Decentralized management and public oversight have also been enhanced.
In line with Resolution 57-NQ/TW, Resolution 71/NQ-CP, and the Prime Minister’s Decision 1087/QD-TTg dated October 2, 2024, MERA accelerated digital transformation in ethnic affairs, leveraging technology to improve management and operations.
Progress in ethnic minority and mountainous areas
Under close guidance from MERA, economic and social conditions in EMM regions have seen positive developments.
Support policies, especially Program 1719, have helped improve the material and spiritual well-being of local communities.
A key achievement is poverty reduction. As of December 31, 2024, the poverty rate in EMM areas had decreased by an average of 3.4%, with a projected 3.2% reduction for 2021-2025, exceeding the 3% target.
Average annual income for ethnic minorities reached VND 42.7 million (approx. USD 1,680) by the end of 2024 and is expected to reach VND 46.4 million (approx. USD 1,825) by 2025 - 3.3 times higher than in 2020.
The campaign to eliminate makeshift and dilapidated houses has made remarkable strides. As of June 19, 2025, 262,843 homes had been replaced - 94.7% of the total need (277,420), with 224,854 completed. Notably, 38 out of 63 localities (60.32%) have achieved their targets.
Education remains a priority, with all five educational goals under Program 1719 met or surpassed. The policy to waive public school tuition fees starting September 2025 has been warmly welcomed by the public.
Healthcare initiatives, including disease prevention, vaccination, health insurance support, and free medication for ethnic minorities, have progressed well. Three out of four healthcare targets for the EMM population have been achieved.
Gender equality policies in EMM areas (2020-2025) have enhanced the status of ethnic minority women in multiple sectors. More women are now being elected to the National Assembly and participating in economic activities.
Through Subproject 9.2 of Program 1719, nearly 200,000 people have attended tens of thousands of consultations, workshops, and awareness campaigns on child marriage and consanguineous marriage. As a result, several provinces have seen a decline in child marriage rates, averaging 0.4% to 1% annually.
In parallel with economic efforts, MERA has prioritized preserving and promoting ethnic cultural identities. Both cultural preservation targets under Program 1719 have been met or exceeded.
Enhancing state governance of religion
President Luong Cuong attends the opening of the 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: MERA Information Portal
Taking over religious affairs, MERA has asserted its role in upholding Vietnam’s policy of respecting freedom of belief and religion.
The Ministry has effectively implemented the Party and State’s religious directives, including Politburo and Secretariat conclusions on religion in the current context.
Complex religious issues have been identified and addressed in a timely manner. Complaints related to religion have significantly declined in number and scale, bolstering public trust in the government.
The 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak was a religious highlight in the first half of the year. MERA led coordination with ministries and central agencies to support the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in organizing the event in Ho Chi Minh City (May 6–8).
The celebration drew top Vietnamese leaders, 16 government representatives from other countries, and Buddhist leaders from 72 nations and territories.
This event reaffirmed Vietnam’s religious freedom policies on the global stage and enhanced the country's international image.
MERA has also promoted religious diplomacy and guided religious organizations in participating in international forums.
International cooperation in ethnic and religious affairs has expanded, with growing ties with partners in India, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and Japan.
The Ministry contributed to Vietnam’s human rights reporting, preparing reports for January, February, April, May, and Q1/2025, and provided input for the Vietnam-US human rights dialogue on January 7.
Minister Dao Ngoc Dung hosted courtesy meetings with the US Ambassador to Vietnam (April 22) and UNICEF Vietnam’s Chief Representative (May 21), discussing mutual interests.
Sustained efforts to build a solid foundation for sustainable development
Over the past six months, MERA has made a strong impression in managing ethnic and religious affairs.
Through decisive leadership, innovative approaches, and coordination at all levels, the Ministry is laying a solid foundation for sustainable, inclusive development in ethnic and religious communities, strengthening national unity and contributing to national progress.
However, challenges remain in implementing Program 1719, including unachieved targets in infrastructure development for particularly disadvantaged communes and villages, and resettlement and land availability for housing and farming.
The road ahead is challenging, but continued perseverance is needed for MERA to fulfill its mission as a capable, dedicated agency equipped to address the complex, evolving issues of ethnicity and religion in the era of global integration.
Vietnamnet.vn
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