(VOVWORLD) - Human trafficking is one of the four most dangerous crimes globally, as noted by the United Nations and included in the Global Crime Prevention Program. In Vietnam, the government has made tremendous efforts to combat human trafficking, including child trafficking.
The latest global report on human trafficking by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reveals that one in three victims of human trafficking worldwide is a child. In Vietnam, data from the Ministry of Public Security indicates that in the first half of this year, authorities discovered and resolved 50 human trafficking cases involving 126 victims, including 48 cases with 121 child victims.
Coordinated policies
The Vietnamese Party and State prioritize protecting the rights of victims of human trafficking, especially children, focusing on the core principle of "taking the victim as the center." The Vietnamese legal system and policies have been consistently improved to protect the rights of victims.
The Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat, effective since 2011, provides a solid legal basis for combating human trafficking. Subsequent decrees, such as Government Decree 09 and Decree 20, offer extensive support for victims, including essential needs, medical and psychological support, legal aid, vocational training, and financial assistance.
The Government's National Action Plan on Prevention and Combating Human Trafficking, updated every five years since 2005, is in its fourth iteration. The draft Law on Prevention and Combating Human Trafficking (amended) was discussed by the 15th National Assembly at its 7th session in May and June this year.
Park Mihyung, Head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in Vietnam, said: "The efforts that Vietnam has put forth to combat the serious crime deserves much recognition. Many efforts have been made. Vietnam has nearly finalized the revised 2011 Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat making an important milestones for Vietnam. The revised Law is expected to establish a stronger foundation for addressing the increasingly complex trends in human trafficking which are exaggerated by the socio-economic challenges. We firmly believe that update framework will pave the way for future legislative reform but also significantly improve our overall approach to tackling trafficking in persons."
In addition to its legal framework, Vietnam has undertaken several practical activities. Ha Thi Nga, President of the Vietnam Women's Union, noted close coordination with relevant agencies to address child abuse, violence, and trafficking. Effective models, like Peaceful House, have provided temporary shelter for 463 victims, including 159 children, since 2007.
Nga said: “The Vietnam Women's Union continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security and other organizations to enhance the quality and effectiveness of anti-human trafficking activities, focused on strengthening communications to raise awareness of safe social networking in order to reduce human and child trafficking risks in cyber space.”
International cooperation
The Vietnamese Government has strengthened international cooperation in anti-human trafficking. Vietnam has signed numerous mutual legal assistance agreements on crime prevention, including human trafficking. Many ministries and localities have implemented bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements on human trafficking prevention and control.
Vietnam has carefully considered international recommendations on anti-human trafficking, incorporating many into the Human Trafficking Prevention and Control Program for 2021-2025 and Vision to 2030. Recently, Vietnamese authorities have increased cooperation with foreign countries to verify, identify, and protect trafficking victims.
The Ministry of Public Security has adjusted the statistical form on human trafficking prevention and control to align with international practices and domestic needs.
The 2024 World Trafficking in Persons Report by the US Department of State acknowledged Vietnam's positive results, including amendments to the 2011 Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat and strengthened investigation and prosecution efforts. Vietnam is also working to achieve the goals of the United Nations Global Compact on Safe and Orderly Migration, contributing to reducing the risk of human trafficking in international migration activities.
Vietnam's determination to prevent and combat human trafficking crimes not only underscores its commitment to implementing international treaties but also highlights a profound awareness of the importance of building a robust legal system to protect vulnerable populations, especially children.