The Group of Friends for Combating Technology-facilitated Trafficking in Persons was initiated by the Republic of Korea with support from the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said Vietnam attaches importance to cooperation with other countries, the United Nations, UNODC and relevant partners in combating human trafficking.
He said the participation of many ASEAN countries as founding members reflected the region's shared commitment to implementing the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.
Mr. Viet also highlighted the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, known as the Hanoi Convention, as an important framework for strengthening international cooperation against technology-enabled crimes, including human trafficking. He called on countries to continue signing and ratifying the convention to enable its early entry into force.
The Group of Friends for Combating Technology-facilitated Trafficking in Persons is an informal forum that seeks to raise awareness, promote dialogue, facilitate the exchange of experiences and strengthen cooperation among countries, international organizations, the private sector and technology companies in efforts to combat technology-enabled human trafficking. The group comprises 23 founding member states from all regions of the world, including Vietnam.
