ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the legal framework of Vietnam, including the constitution, laws and sub-law documents, such as decrees and decisions, related to the management of both cultural and natural heritage through the human rights based-approach within four specific areas. The four areas are fair hearing, participation and consultation; resources, property and land; development and livelihood; and ethnic minority rights. The Vietnamese people's right to access to a trial in general, and that of the people living in and around World Heritage sites in particular, are guaranteed by the constitution and laws. Hoi An Ancient Town, designated a cultural World Heritage site in 1999, is located in the central part of Vietnam. Vietnam's legislation and World Heritage regulations should be adapted in accordance with the provisions of the recently adopted United Nations education scientific and cultural organization policy on sustainable development in order to respect and protect the human rights of people living in World Heritage sites.
