Fighting against prostitution

The prevention and control of prostitution has always been a priority for relevant authorities at all levels, with regular and continuous public awareness campaigns. During the period 2021-2025, with the involvement of various departments and agencies, the prevention and control of prostitution in Son La has seen many positive changes, contributing to the prevention and suppression of this social ill.

Strategically located in the Northwest region, bordering the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Son La is not only a key area for security but also possesses strong potential for tourism, accommodation, and service development. The vibrancy of tourist areas such as Moc Chau, Bac Yen, and Quynh Nhai contributes to the province's economic growth. However, it also creates conditions for social vices to arise, including disguised prostitution. Although not forming hotspots that cause public outrage, prostitution in Son La still has the potential for complex developments.

Training conference on propaganda work for crime prevention, drug control, prostitution, HIV/AIDS prevention, and human trafficking prevention.
Photo: PV

Over the past five years, the province has issued 25 directives related to the prevention and control of prostitution. This has facilitated the synchronized implementation by authorities at all levels, linking this task with the prevention and control of drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, and human trafficking. Considering communication as a "soft shield," the province has implemented large-scale communication campaigns, focusing on service workers, factory workers, and students as priority target groups for prevention at the root. Over the past five years, the province has organized 4,543 community communication events, attracting 1.787 million participants. In addition, functional agencies have distributed over 12,000 leaflets on prostitution and drug prevention; and 2,500 news articles and reports promoting the fight against drug abuse and prostitution have been published in local media outlets.

In carrying out its professional duties, the Provincial Police have actively advised the Provincial People's Committee on the issuance of plans and programs to combat prostitution; coordinated with departments, agencies, and organizations to implement many measures to prevent and combat crimes and violations of the law related to prostitution; and done a good job of disseminating information and educating the public on preventing prostitution in communes and wards. They have effectively managed their areas, closely monitoring the number of businesses providing services that show signs of being involved in prostitution; conducted basic investigations, compiled lists of individuals involved in prostitution, suspected individuals involved in prostitution, and businesses with conditions related to security and order to monitor and understand the situation, promptly detecting violations for combating and handling.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Truong Giang, Head of the Criminal Police Department of the Provincial Police, said: The perpetrators often exploit businesses such as guesthouses, hotels, massage parlors, and karaoke establishments to operate as brothels and pimps. To evade law enforcement, they use sturdy guesthouses and hotels, install surveillance cameras, and only pimp for regular clients… To combat and prevent these complex prostitution hotspots from persisting, from 2021 to the present, the province has established 178 inter-agency teams and conducted 437 inspections at sensitive businesses. Through these inspections, authorities discovered 11 cases involving 44 individuals. Of these, 13 individuals involved in pimping and harboring were prosecuted criminally, and 37 individuals involved in buying and selling prostitution were fined administratively.

Officials from the Provincial People's Procuracy distributed leaflets promoting the Law on Prevention and Control of Prostitution to the people of Chiềng Sơ commune.
Photo: PV

2023 was the busiest year with 19 cases discovered, but since the beginning of 2025, no cases have been recorded. However, during this period, the fight against prostitution is facing a huge challenge: prostitution activities are hidden within "closed groups" on Facebook, Zalo, and Telegram. Online pimping is very sophisticated and beyond the control of traditional measures, such as inspecting businesses and patrolling the area.

The period from 2021 to 2025 has seen significant efforts by Son La in the fight against prostitution. However, this "war" is entering a new, complex, silent but equally fierce phase due to the shift of prostitution activities to cyberspace. To win on the digital front, it is necessary to continue innovating thinking, strategies, and management tools, aiming for a humane, sustainable approach that is appropriate for the 4.0 era. Simultaneously, relevant agencies must improve the legal framework to keep pace with the development of activities on social media. Increased surprise inspections and decisive action against complex hotspots are needed. Digital communication should be intensified, reaching both the general public and high-risk groups. Support for health and psychological counseling, and vocational training for sex workers should be provided. Furthermore, the responsibility of leaders should be emphasized, considering this a key annual performance indicator.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/xa-hoi/dau-tranh-phong-chong-mai-dam-erqvydivg.html