📝 OP-ED: Fight against human trafficking needs int'l efforts
A ceremony was held in Hanoi on July 27 to launch activities responding to World Day against Trafficking in Persons, spreading a message that preventing and fighting human trafficking is the responsibility of the whole political system and society, and that human trafficking is a global issue that needs international cooperation to deal with.
Hanoi (VNA) – A ceremony was held in Hanoi on July 27 to launch activities responding to World Day against Trafficking in Persons, spreading a message that preventing and fighting human trafficking is the responsibility of the whole political system and society, and that human trafficking is a global issue that needs international cooperation to deal with.
Statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) showed that 50% of human trafficking cases served sexual abuse purposes, while 38% of the total victims are forced to work mostly in the sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East regions.
Particularly, COVID-19 is creating an ideal condition for human trafficking activities, as governments are mustering resources to respond to the health crisis, according to experts.
To date, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, adopted in November 2000, is the only globally binding instrument against trafficking in persons.
The ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP) was signed by ASEAN leaders on November 21, 2015 at the 27th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia. Up to now, nine ASEAN member states have ratified the ACTIP. This is the only binding regional convention on trafficking in persons outside of Europe. This document also demonstrates the strong commitment and unprecedented joint determination of the member states in the fight against trafficking in persons.
Popularising regulations on human trafficking prevention and combat among Khmer community in Soc Trang (Photo: VNA)
In Vietnam, the Government has rolled out drastic measures to combat human trafficking, including a Human Trafficking Prevention and Control Programme for the 2016-2020 period and the Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Control. Over the years, the country has effectively strengthened efforts in verifying, protecting and supporting victims of trafficking, while formulating and perfecting relevant laws, and increasing international cooperation in the field.
Punishments for human traffickers have been clarified in the Criminal Code.
At the same time, Vietnam's cooperation with other countries, especially those in the region and where a large number of Vietnamese are trafficked, as well as international organisations on preventing and combating trafficking against persons, has been fostered and expanded.
A programme on human trafficking prevention and control for the 2021-2025 period is underway.
Nguyen Minh Hieu, Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs under the Ministry of Public Security and head of the Steering Committee of the ASEAN-Australia Programme on Anti-Trafficking in Persons in Vietnam, emphasised the significant role of international cooperation in effectively fighting human trafficking crimes. No country can solve it alone, he said, adding it needs coordination and cooperation between countries as well as between international organisations./.
The UN Women Vietnam on September 30 handed over essential equipment worth 483.4 million VND (21,200 USD) to three Peace House Shelters in Hanoi and the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho to upgrade free helpline (1900 969680) in order to improve responses to domestic and international calls and reports of violence against women, and to continue to improve the overall quality of the support services for victims of violence and human trafficking.
Police in the southern province of Dong Nai on December 28 arrested three men and a woman for their involvement in trafficking in persons, organising illegal migration and bringing persons abroad for prostitution.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang presented views on issues that have drawn concern of the press and the public at the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi on January 20.
Vietnam has been intensifying efforts to bring a stop to human trafficking in recent years, according to Deputy Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang.
Vietnamese Consul General in Fukuoka Vu Chi Mai highlighted the growing demand for Vietnamese workers in Kyushu, especially in Fukuoka, Oita, and Saga prefectures. Currently, the region employs about 35,000 Vietnamese manual workers and over 5,000 IT engineers.
In Vietnam’s case, she said, President Ho Chi Minh demonstrated his strategic vision by founding the revolutionary press a century ago. The late leader understood the press's role not only as a means to reflect the country’s realities but also as a powerful tool to strengthen national unity and inspire the resistance wars and national construction process.
In recent interviews granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporters in Mexico, prominent figures reflected on the press’s legacy and its global influence.
VietnamPlus e-newspaper of the VNA clinched an A prize in the “Outstanding Press Product” category for its immersive 3D multimedia project, “Epic of Reunification,” a groundbreaking blend of storytelling and technology. The VNA won another A prize for its eye-catching exhibition booth.
Today, the press for foreign service has evolved into a distinct, irreplaceable force, bridging Vietnam with the world and portraying a nation that is stable, peace-loving, and fully integrated into the international community.
At a review conference held on June 21, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh praised the province’s scientific, coordinated, and flexible approach. He noted that the early completion reflects the strong commitment of local authorities, the business community, philanthropists, and residents in improving housing conditions for disadvantaged groups.
The VNA delegation, led by General Director Vu Viet Trang, actively participated in the event, engaging in both professional and diplomatic activities.
In the context where AI dominates and produces vast volumes of content, the only sustainable path forward for journalism is to focus on high-quality content and core values. Journalism must redefine its mission - not to report the fastest, but to provide the most profound and trustworthy value.
Granma and the VNA have great potential for cooperation, especially in sharing content regularly, so that VNA products are published on Granma platforms and vice versa, thereby helping Cuban and Vietnamese people access true information and gain a deep understanding of each other's country and people.
During his stay in China’s Guangzhou city from 1924 to 1927 to prepare for the establishment of a Communist Party to lead Vietnam’s revolution, President Ho Chi Minh founded “Thanh nien” newspaper and released its first issue on June 21, 1925.
Vietnam and Cambodia are hoped to strengthen their robust collaboration across various sectors, particularly in resolving remaining border issues to transform the border area into a zone of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
The strategic product, managed and operated by the Vietnam News Agency Digital Media Centre (VNA Media), is an official channel for popularising the Party and State’s information and documents as well as delivering mainstream and trustworthy news to both domestic and international audiences through various kinds of multimedia formats.
Since President Ho Chi Minh founded Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has become the voice of the people. During the resistance war against the colonialists, journalists took great personal risks to inspire patriotism and the will of rising up against foreign invaders.
The total investment exceeded 319 billion VND (12.2 million USD), including over 261 billion VND from the state budget and 57.5 billion VND mobilised from businesses, organisations, and individuals.
The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang is intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as part of the country’s goal of having the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning lifted.
Throughout its 80-year history, the VNA has remained at the forefront of information dissemination. It has consistently delivered timely, accurate, and objective reports on both domestic and international events, serving the Party’s leadership, the State’s management, and the public’s demand for official news.
With strong support from local authorities, businesses, organisations, and residents, the province has successfully built or repaired 10,707 homes for disadvantaged households, including war veterans, families of martyrs, ethnic minority people, and low-income residents.
Throughout its resistance against colonialists and imperialists, Vietnam developed a revolutionary press that has served as a benchmark for just and legitimate causes worldwide.
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic is regarded as a cultural ambassador of Austria, with prestigious conductors like Mahler and Karajan who shape its legacy. Its New Year’s Concert, broadcast to over 90 countries annually, stands as a global symbol of classical music excellence.
Popularising regulations on human trafficking prevention and combat among Khmer community in Soc Trang (Photo: VNA) 
