Religious land use in the Red River Delta, Vietnam: Legal perspectives in the context of implementing the 2024 Law on Land

This study examines the theoretical foundations and evolutionary development of legal regulations governing religious land, with particular emphasis on a comparative analysis of the 2013 and 2024 Land Laws of Vietnam. The study evaluates the practical implementation of these regulations, highlighting persistent challenges such as disputes over the origin and ownership of religious land, difficulties in the recognition of land use rights, and inconsistencies in enforcement across localities arising from the influence of local customs, traditions, and social practices. Focusing on the Red River Delta region, the study identifies significant gaps in the existing legal framework that hinder effective land administration and the protection of legitimate religious interests. The findings indicate that the current regulatory system requires greater legal clarity, institutional consistency, and more effective coordination between state management objectives and the protection of religious freedom. On this basis, the study proposes legal and policy orientations aimed at enhancing transparency, consistency, and harmony in the governance and use of religious land in Vietnam.