Nghe An and 4 coastal provinces receive UK support for anti-human trafficking project

On the morning of December 26, the Vietnam Women's Union coordinated with the International Organization for Migration in Vietnam to conduct training on communication to change behavior on preventing and combating human trafficking and modern slavery.Comrade Nguyen Thi Quynh Hoa - President of the Provincial Women's Union spoke at the training course. Also attending were representatives from the Provincial Police, Youth Union, Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs, Border Guard, press agencies and some localities in the province. Photo: My Ha.

This activity is part of the project “Fighting against human trafficking and modern slavery, a multi-sectoral approach to changing behavior, enhancing support, legal access and reintegration for victims” funded by the UK Government through three organizations including the International Organization for Migration, the British Council and World Vision in Vietnam.

The project was implemented in 5 localities: Hai Phong, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Ninh and Nghe An, lasting for 18 months and the Criminal Police Department - Ministry of Public Security was the host agency.

On this occasion, a representative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) also said: According to data from the Consular Department, in 2016, 9.2 million Vietnamese people went abroad for purposes such as finding work, studying, family reunification and business.

Although most workers use formal recruitment channels, some still choose to migrate illegally through illegal border crossings, which are risky for exploitation and trafficking. This is also the most profitable type of crime in the world today.

Trainees exchange at the training class. Photo: My Ha.

Alarmingly, people who use services to illegally enter a country are often vulnerable to threats, abuse and exploitation throughout their migration journey in both their departure and destination countries. Statistics show that in 2018, the number of Vietnamese people at risk of being victims of human trafficking was the second highest in the UK.

Most recently, the tragedy of 39 Vietnamese people who died in the UK has highlighted the very real danger that people smugglers and traffickers can pose to vulnerable migrants seeking better job opportunities abroad.

Mobile propaganda for households in Phong village, Tam Thai commune to raise awareness and consciousness of mountainous people in preventing and combating social evils, especially drugs and human trafficking. Photo courtesy of Phuong Thuy

To eliminate these dangers, the training program on communication to change behavior on preventing and combating human trafficking and modern slavery will focus on discussing issues such as: the current situation of human trafficking and modern slavery in the country and the world; concepts and relationships; practice in developing a draft communication strategy to change behavior on preventing and combating human trafficking... All of these contents will be discussed specifically by lecturers from the International Organization for Migration.

The training program will contribute to changing perceptions of modern slavery and human trafficking. At the same time, it is an opportunity for trainees to learn, exchange, share good experiences, good practices and share difficulties and obstacles in the process of performing tasks at the grassroots level.