Vietnam Specifies Format for Martyr Information Certificate

The Vietnamese government has officially stipulated the procedures and format for issuing certificates of information regarding the place of martyrdom for fallen soldiers. This is stipulated as part of Decree No. 131/2021/ND-CP of the Government on detailed provisions and measures to implement the Ordinance on preferential treatment for persons with meritorious services to the revolution. According to the decree, individuals applying for a certificate of information about the place of martyrdom of a fallen soldier must submit an application to one of the following agencies: the agency or unit the fallen soldier belonged to before martyrdom; the provincial military command of the fallen soldier's native place; the provincial military command of the place where the fallen soldier was martyred; or the Policy Department of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army. Agencies specified in Clause 1 of this Article are responsible for examining, verifying, and issuing the certificate according to Form No. 44, Appendix I of this Decree within 15 days. This regulation aims to enable the families of fallen soldiers to quickly and easily obtain accurate information about their deceased loved ones' contributions and place of martyrdom. Under Vietnam's one-party system, respect and support for those who have contributed to the nation, especially war martyrs, are positioned as crucial elements for social stability and national cohesion. This format stipulation can be said to institutionally underpin such national considerations.