The 2013 Constitution consists of 11 chapters and 120 articles. It is the highest legal document in Vietnam, laying the foundation for the country’s political, economic, and social systems, defining human rights and citizens’ rights and obligations, the structure of the state apparatus, national defense and security, and the legal effect of the Constitution.
Key highlights include:
- Affirmation of the leadership role of the Communist Party of Vietnam (Article 4); emphasizing that all state power belongs to the people and the principle of people’s sovereignty.
- Guarantee and expansion of human rights and citizens’ rights: It clearly stipulates constitutional rights such as freedom of speech, the right to access information, the inviolability of personal liberty, home and private life, and the right to a fair trial.
- State organization: Clearly defines the functions and responsibilities of the National Assembly, the President, the Government, the People’s Courts, and the People’s Procuracies; highlights the principle of division, coordination, and control of power among state agencies.
- National defense and security: Emphasizes the duty to build strong armed forces and the responsibility of all people to defend the Fatherland.
- The Constitution holds the highest legal authority, and all legal documents must conform to it. Only the National Assembly has the power to amend the Constitution.
The 2013 Constitution was adopted by the 13th National Assembly on November 28, 2013, and took effect on January 1, 2014.
| Issuing bodies: | National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam | Gazette number: | From 1003 to 1004 |
| Official number: | 18/2013/L-CTN | Gazette dated: | |
| Types of documents: | Constitution | Signer: | Nguyen Sinh Hung |
| Issuing date: | 28/11/2013 | Expiry date: | |
| Effective date: | 01/01/2014 | Effect status: | Amended |
| Fields: | Justice | Updated date: | 28/11/2013 |
