A/HRC/12/11* deprived them of the most fundamental freedoms and the war of national defence following Viet Nam’s regained independence in 1945. 8. The people’s support stands behind the success of the independent Viet Nam in overcoming enormous ordeals and hardships and in leading the comprehensive renewal process recognized by the international community. This support indeed demonstrates the enjoyment by the people of their human rights. 9. Viet Nam attaches great importance to building a comprehensive legal system to guarantee and promote human rights. About 13,000 laws and by-laws have been enacted or revised since 1986. Draft laws and ordinances of the National Assembly are subjected to people’s comments via the mass media. The Constitution and legal normative documents stipulate the rights and measures to guarantee civil and political human rights in Viet Nam in conformity with international treaties. Viet Nam’s efforts in this regard have been commended by the United Nations and international partners. 10. The monitoring and supervising system and the law enforcement system in Viet Nam, which are constantly reformed in accordance with the principle of a State ruled by law, encompass all State agencies and various organizations and people’s participation. The National Assembly supervises all activities of the State. All its Q&A sessions with Government members are broadcast live. 11. The Master Plan on Administrative Reform 2001–2010 is aimed at making the administrative system cleaner, stronger, more democratic, professional, modern and effective in the people’s interest. All Government agencies have their own inspecting mechanism in their respective areas of responsibility. The judicial system serves as the means for protection of justice and human rights, for enforcement of the law and the fight against crimes and law violations. 12. Various organizations, the mass media and citizens’ indirect and direct participation through their representative bodies or legal mechanisms are important components of the machinery of human rights protection. The people take voluntary and active part in running for election, nominating and voting representatives from different social strata into the governing bodies at all levels. Many raise their concerns and questions to their representatives related to the functioning of the State agencies. Q&A sessions of the National Assembly are closely watched by the people. Viet Nam has about 380 nationwide mass associations and numerous associations at the local and grassroots levels. There are 18 nationwide sectoral trade unions and 6,020 local trade unions. Some 600 foreign NGOs operate in Viet Nam. 13. The mass media have been growing rapidly in diverse forms and with rich content, becoming important forums for the people and contributing actively to the process of renewal, the fight against corruption and other vices. The number of print press agencies and publications now reach 700 and 850 respectively, tripling the 1990 figure. Over 15,000 licensed journalists are working in Viet Nam. Regular Internet users account for nearly 24 per cent of the population, which is higher than the Asian average of 18 per cent. Presently 95 per cent communes of extreme difficulties have radio stations, including those broadcasting in ethnic minority languages. According to a recent ITU report, Viet Nam was among the top 10 countries in 2002–2007 in terms of the growth rate of IT coverage, usage and skills. 14. Religious and belief activities are now a vibrant social feature. There are over 20 million followers of different religions. Over 80 per cent of the population has a belief. The United Nations Day of Vesak was organized in Hanoi in 2008 with the participation of Buddhists and dignitaries from 74 countries and territories. Viet Nam will host the World Buddhist Summit in 2010. A Holy See delegation comes to Viet Nam annually to exchange 4 GE.09-16382