Nghe An province incorporates content on preventing and combating human trafficking into school curricula.

Combating human trafficking is an urgent task.

The People's Committee of Nghe An province has just issued a plan for implementing the Program on preventing and combating human trafficking in Nghe An province in 2023.

One of the requirements in this plan is to ensure that 100% of denunciations, reports of crimes, and requests for prosecution related to human trafficking are received and classified; the resolution rate must exceed 90%. Cases with signs of human trafficking must be investigated and verified, and when sufficient evidence is found, criminal cases must be initiated for investigation in accordance with the law. The rate of investigation and discovery of human trafficking cases must exceed 90% of the total number of cases initiated; 95% of human trafficking cases must be resolved and prosecuted; and 90% of human trafficking cases must be resolved and tried.

A victim is reunited with her family after years of being trafficked to China. Photo: TH

At the same time, it is necessary to thoroughly understand and effectively implement the leadership and guidance documents of the Central Government, the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Council, and the Provincial People's Committee on preventing and combating human trafficking; mobilize the combined strength of the entire political system and the whole population to participate in preventing and combating human trafficking; clearly define tasks and responsibilities to improve the effectiveness of coordination among departments, agencies, and localities; and enhance the effectiveness of coordination in the work of preventing and combating human trafficking. The role of cadres and Party members in setting an example and leading the way in the work of preventing and combating human trafficking must be promoted.

Furthermore, the implementation of human trafficking prevention and control measures must be linked to general crime prevention and control policies and integrated with socio-economic development programs and job creation initiatives for local workers to maximize the effectiveness of this work, contributing to the prevention, deterrence, and reduction of human trafficking crimes in the province. Focus on directing the comprehensive and decisive implementation of solutions to prevent and combat human trafficking; address the causes and conditions that give rise to human trafficking crimes and the shortcomings and limitations in human trafficking prevention and control identified in 2022. Simultaneously, improve the reception, verification, identification, rescue, protection, and support of human trafficking victims; and strengthen international cooperation to effectively prevent and combat human trafficking crimes.

This plan also identifies the prevention and combating of human trafficking as an important, urgent, regular, and long-term task that must be carried out everywhere, at all times, in all fields and areas, with a focus on key areas linked to the implementation of the Resolution of the 13th National Congress of the Party and socio-economic development programs, with the highest goal being "protecting human security," "protecting human rights," and protecting the peaceful and happy lives of the people.

Maintain inter-sectoral activities to prevent and combat human trafficking: conferences, workshops, inspections, surveys, preliminary and final reviews, regular meetings, etc., and promptly commend and reward collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in the prevention and combat of human trafficking. Summarize and direct pilot implementation of the Program for the Prevention and Combat of Human Trafficking…

Incorporate content on preventing and combating human trafficking into school curricula.

One of the key tasks is communication and prevention of human trafficking. Accordingly, rallies and communication activities will be organized in response to the "National Day for the Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking (July 30)" and the "World Day for the Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking (July 30), in line with the international message on preventing and controlling human trafficking in 2023. Communication efforts will be strengthened within communities. Research will be conducted on the application of social media platforms to disseminate information about the methods and tactics used by human traffickers; to promote the protection and support of victims, focusing on the victim; and to develop guidance materials, documentaries, and leaflets on victim support.

Integrating content on preventing and combating human trafficking into cultural activities, arts performances, and the implementation of the movement to build culturally advanced villages, hamlets, and residential areas; organizing workshops, propaganda campaigns, and exhibitions on preventing and combating human trafficking in conjunction with the implementation of the "All People Unite to Build a Culturally Advanced Life" movement.

The homecoming of a human trafficking victim in Ky Son. Photo: TH

Specifically, Nghe An will organize communication activities on preventing and combating human trafficking in educational institutions; incorporating content on preventing and combating human trafficking into civic education programs and extracurricular activities at all levels and sectors, especially in remote areas, ethnic boarding schools, and vocational education institutions.

Organize propaganda and communication activities on preventing and combating human trafficking, targeting grassroots levels and high-risk groups who are victims of human trafficking; integrate the prevention and combating of human trafficking with crime prevention, prostitution prevention, drug rehabilitation, and HIV/AIDS prevention. Promote the nationwide movement to participate in preventing and combating human trafficking, linking it with the nationwide movement to protect national security and the nationwide movement to protect national sovereignty and border security, using diverse content and forms suitable for each target group and specific area. Leverage the role of the commune, ward, and town police forces and political and social organizations at the grassroots level to disseminate information to every citizen about the prevention and combating of human trafficking. Integrating content on preventing human trafficking into the process of achieving economic, cultural, and social development goals, addressing social welfare issues, and ensuring people's well-being (such as job support, income improvement, poverty reduction, and policy implementation in ethnic minority and mountainous areas) will prevent these vulnerable groups from becoming victims of human trafficking.

Police officers visited Dinh Son commune – a hotspot for the trafficking of fetuses – to raise awareness. Photo: TH

The next key task is professional prevention. The police force, primarily the criminal police, will coordinate with border guard forces at all levels to effectively gather intelligence; conduct basic investigations, identify key and complex routes and areas, and prominent suspects, especially the masterminds and leaders of criminal networks, and those with previous convictions for human trafficking, in order to prevent it with the motto of early prevention, from afar, from the grassroots level, and proactively combating and preventing it. They will constantly innovate methods of information gathering by linking areas from inland - border areas - and overseas, strengthening information gathering on the internet; and coordinating patrols and strict control along the border to prevent human trafficking and illegal emigration...

Actively monitor the situation, developments, methods, tactics, and patterns of criminal activity in general and human trafficking in particular, following the principle of "prioritizing prevention; closely combining prevention with proactive attacks, striking accurately and effectively at the root of all types of human trafficking crimes" in the spirit of "activeness, urgency, and effectiveness." Focus on preventing domestic human trafficking, trafficking in human tissues and organs, organized surrogacy for commercial purposes, and human trafficking for forced labor…

Furthermore, this plan identifies many other key tasks and sets out specific duties and targets for each unit and locality. In particular, the Department of Education and Training is tasked with coordinating with relevant sectors, universities, colleges, and vocational schools to organize communication activities on preventing and combating human trafficking in educational institutions; incorporating content on preventing and combating human trafficking into civic education and extracurricular programs at all levels and disciplines, especially in ethnic boarding schools and vocational training institutions.