Vietnam’s cultural heritage protection laws (1900–2023) and their pros &amp; cons from the position of Vietnam’s new generation: Case studies

Nguyen Le Uyen Phuong

Vietnam’s cultural heritage protection laws (1900–2023) and their pros & cons from the position of Vietnam’s new generation: Case studies

Publication date: 29.06.2024

Gdansk Journal of East Asian Studies, 2024, Issue 25, pp. 225 - 250

https://doi.org/10.4467/23538724GS.24.014.19875

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Vietnam’s cultural heritage protection laws (1900–2023) and their pros & cons from the position of Vietnam’s new generation: Case studies

Abstract

The article aims, first, to examine the evolution of cultural heritage protection in Vietnam from 1900 to 2023, focusing on the Vietnam War, renovation (1980–2000), and international integration (since 1987). Second, it analyses the Cultural Heritage Law 2001 and the Amending of Cultural Heritage Law 2009, the two main texts governing this field. Third, it presents case studies of the challenges and successes of cultural heritage protection as it is perceived by the Vietnamese new generation and by the Vietnam government as part of the market economy.

The author observe that historical events strongly shaped the Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Law (CHL). Changing definitions of CHL over time reflect citizens’ ideology in conserving cultural heritage. Further, the Constitution of Vietnam (1946, 1959, 1980, and 1992) differs in its CHL orientation via three major stages. Every time legal basics and political situations change, CHL documents will serve various interests. Finally, the Vietnamese new generation’s cultural heritage education and distribution achievements are discussed.

Author demonstrates that the Vietnam War was the most difficult time for CHL growth. Decree 65 and the 1946 Constitution’s generic definitions were responding to complex political conditions and were not intended to promote CHL. Vietnam became a socialist country under Soviet influence during reconstruction (1980–2000). The 1980 Constitution is strong enough to govern historic resource ownership and conservation, as is shown by new cultural heritage documents like Ordinance 14 (1984) and Decree 28 (1985). However, the ability to exploit heritage and obtain worldwide recognition was limited. Vietnamese CHL had access to international treaties and recommendations when Vietnam joined UNESCO in the international integration period (after 1987). In this period, the 1992 Constitution (internal role) and an international source (external role) inspired the 2001 CHL and 2009 Amendment to CHL. Both documents still play a principal main role in enabling Vietnam to enter the Heritage Economy.

Young Vietnamese citizens’ achievements promote cultural values and involvement. However, Vietnamese teens have not paid attention to develop the legal aspects of CHL. Unanswered is the issue of whether Vietnam’s legal framework is robust enough to prevent abuses in heritage exploitation.

Artykuł ma na celu, po pierwsze, zbadanie ewolucji ochrony dziedzictwa kultury w Wietnamie w latach 1900–2023, koncentrując się na wojnie wietnamskiej, okresie renowacji (1980–2000) i integracji międzynarodowej (od 1987 r.). Po drugie, dokonano w nim analizy ustawy o dziedzictwie kultury z 2001 r. i nowelizacji ustawy o dziedzictwie kultury z 2009 r., czyli dwóch głównych tekstów regulujących tę dziedzinę. Po trzecie, zaprezentowano studia przypadków wyzwań i sukcesów ochrony dziedzictwa kultury, ponieważ jest ona postrzegana przez wietnamskie nowe pokolenie i rząd Wietnamu jako część gospodarki rynkowej.

Zauważono, że wydarzenia historyczne silnie ukształtowały wietnamską ustawę o dziedzictwie kultury (CHL). Zmieniające się z czasem definicje dziedzictwa kultury odzwierciedlają ideologię obywateli w zakresie ochrony dziedzictwa kultury. Co więcej, Konstytucja Wietnamu (1946, 1959, 1980 i 1992) różni się pod względem orientacji na CHL na trzech głównych etapach. Za każdym razem, gdy zmieniają się podstawy prawne i sytuacja polityczna, dokumenty CHL będą służyć różnym interesom. Na koniec omówiono edukację nowego pokolenia Wietnamczyków w zakresie dziedzictwa kultury i osiągnięcia w jego dystrybucji.

Autorka wykazuje, że wojna w Wietnamie była najtrudniejszym okresem dla rozwoju CHL. Dekret 65 i ogólne definicje konstytucji z 1946 r. były odpowiedzią na złożone warunki polityczne i nie miały na celu promowania CHL. W okresie renowacji (1980–2000) Wietnam stał się krajem socjalistycznym pod wpływem Związku Radzieckiego. Konstytucja z 1980 r. jest wystarczająco silna, aby regulować własność i ochronę zasobów historycznych, co pokazują nowe dokumenty dotyczące dziedzictwa kultury, takie jak Rozporządzenie 14 (1984) i Dekret 28 (1985). Jednak zdolność do wykorzystywania dziedzictwa i uzyskania światowego uznania była ograniczona. Wietnamskie CHL miało dostęp do międzynarodowych traktatów i zaleceń, gdy Wietnam dołączył do UNESCO w okresie integracji międzynarodowej (po 1987 r.). W tym okresie konstytucja z 1992 r. (rola wewnętrzna) i międzynarodowe źródło (rola zewnętrzna) zainspirowały CHL z 2001 r. i poprawkę do CHL z 2009 r. Oba dokumenty nadal odgrywają główną rolę w umożliwieniu Wietnamowi wejścia do gospodarki dziedzictwa.

Osiągnięcia młodych obywateli Wietnamu promują wartości kulturowe i zaangażowanie. Jednakże wietnamskie nastolatki nie zwróciły uwagi na rozwój prawnych aspektów CHL. Bez odpowiedzi pozostaje pytanie, czy wietnamskie ramy prawne są wystarczająco solidne, aby zapobiegać nadużyciom w wykorzystywaniu dziedzictwa kultury.

Keywords

heritage protection law, Vietnam, Vietnam War, renovation period

prawo ochrony dziedzictwa kultury, Wietnam, wojna wietnamska, okres renowacji

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Information

Information: Gdansk Journal of East Asian Studies, 2024, Issue 25, pp. 225 - 250

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4467/23538724GS.24.014.19875

Article type: Original article

Titles:

English: Vietnam’s cultural heritage protection laws (1900–2023) and their pros & cons from the position of Vietnam’s new generation: Case studies

Polish: Wietnamskie prawo ochrony dziedzictwa kultury (1900–2023) oraz jego wady i zalety z perspektywy nowego pokolenia Wietnamczyk ów: studia przypadków

Authors

Nguyen Le Uyen Phuong

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2857-1326

University West
Sweden

Published at: 29.06.2024

Article status: Open

Licence: CC BY

Percentage share of authors:

Nguyen Le Uyen Phuong (Author) - 100%

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Vietnam’s cultural heritage protection laws (1900–2023) and their pros & cons from the position of Vietnam’s new generation: Case studies

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