Vietnam’s National Assembly Abolishes Death Penalty for Eight Offenses

Overview of Legislative Reform

On Wednesday, Vietnam’s 15th National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to abolish the death penalty for eight categories of criminal offenses. These offenses include:

• Embezzlement
• Bribery
• Counterfeiting medicines
• Espionage
• Drug trafficking
• Vandalism of state property
• Sabotage
• Acts aimed at overthrowing the government

Out of 439 delegates present, 429 voted in favor, representing nearly 90 percent of the legislature.

Changes to the Criminal Code

The revised Criminal Code now imposes a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the above offenses. Transitional provisions ensure that all death sentences handed down before July 1, 2025, for these crimes will be automatically commuted to life terms.

Rationale Behind the Reform

Minister of Public Security, Lương Tam Quang, cited inequality and structural inconsistency as key factors driving the reforms, stating:

“[T]he current structure of capital punishment was problematic and, in some cases, misaligned with evolving socio-economic conditions and the realities of crime prevention.”

Notable Cases and Impact

The revision notably spares Trương Mỹ Lan, former chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat Group, who was sentenced to death in 2024 for orchestrating a $12 billion embezzlement scheme involving fraudulent loans. Her sentence will be converted to life imprisonment, with possible further reduction based on restitution of misappropriated funds.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Promotion of Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

This legislative reform aligns with SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable institutions. By abolishing the death penalty for certain offenses, Vietnam is taking steps toward a more equitable justice system and reducing the risk of irreversible miscarriages of justice.

Global Context and Human Rights (SDG 10 and SDG 17)

The amendments reflect a global shift away from capital punishment, with over 70 percent of countries having abolished the death penalty as of 2025. This move supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by addressing systemic inequalities in the application of capital punishment and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by aligning national legislation with international human rights standards.

Challenges and Continuing Issues

• Vietnam retains the death penalty for 19 offenses, including murder, terrorism, treason, and child rape.
• Lethal injection remains the only authorized method since the abolition of the firing squad in 2011.
• The government’s secrecy surrounding executions complicates transparency and accountability.

Human Rights Organizations’ Perspectives

Amnesty International’s Death Penalty Advisor, Chiara Sangiorgio, welcomed the amendments as a positive step but emphasized that broader reforms are necessary. Concerns remain regarding due process and the lack of transparency in capital punishment cases.

Statistical Data and Execution Practices

• Vietnam is known for keeping executions classified as state secrets.
• According to Amnesty International, Vietnam was one of the largest executioners in Southeast Asia as of 2024.
• Internal reports indicate over 2,000 death sentences and more than 400 executions in the last decade.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s abolition of the death penalty for eight criminal offenses marks significant progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to justice, equality, and human rights. However, continued efforts are required to enhance transparency, ensure due process, and further reduce the scope of capital punishment in line with global human rights standards.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses legal reforms related to the death penalty, criminal justice, and human rights, which are core aspects of SDG 16.
   • Focus on justice system reforms and reducing inequality in capital punishment aligns with SDG 16’s aim to promote peaceful and inclusive societies.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The abolition of the death penalty for certain crimes and the use of lethal injection as a method relate indirectly to health and well-being, particularly in terms of humane treatment and reducing harm.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article mentions inequality and structural inconsistency as reasons for reforming capital punishment, linking to SDG 10’s focus on reducing inequalities.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 16 Targets:
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
2. SDG 3 Targets:
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being (indirectly related to humane treatment in justice systems).
3. SDG 10 Targets:
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws and policies.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 16:
   • 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
   • 16.3.2: Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison population (reflecting justice system efficiency and fairness).
   • 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (transparency and accountability).
   • 16.7.2: Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive.
2. Indicators for SDG 3:
   • 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services (relevant to humane treatment and medical aspects of death penalty methods).
   • 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate (indirectly related to mental health and well-being in justice contexts).
3. Indicators for SDG 10:
   • 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed within the previous 12 months on grounds of various statuses (including legal treatment).
4. Implied Indicators:
   • Number of death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
   • Number of executions carried out annually.
   • Transparency measures regarding execution data and legal processes.
   • Proportion of criminal offenses for which the death penalty is abolished.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: jurist.org