Equipping knowledge and skills to prevent and combat human trafficking for youth

On October 27, in Hanoi, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Embassy of Canada in Vietnam officially launched the “ThinkB4UClick” program, an initiative to equip young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent and combat human trafficking, improve critical thinking and enhance their ability to respond in cyberspace.

Nearly 300 delegates, including students, digital technology experts and members of the IOM Youth Network, participated in the program both in-person and online, exploring the links between promoting safe migration, raising awareness of cybercrime, and the central role of youth in raising awareness on this topic.

Delegates attending the program. (Photo: IOM)

The training program provides data-driven analysis, real-life case studies, and social media campaign building activities to foster a generation of tech-savvy and proactive cyber-safe youth.

The training course highlighted emerging trends in human trafficking and promoted international cooperation. It encouraged the effective use of social media and technology to raise awareness of the methods of human trafficking criminals and reaffirmed the importance of a victim-centered approach. Participants affirmed the important role of youth as a force for change in the fight against human trafficking.

Ms. Kendra Rinas, Head of IOM Vietnam Mission, spoke at the program. (Photo: IOM)

“Today, human trafficking does not only occur through direct contact - it is increasingly widespread and sophisticated in cyberspace. With 22 million young Vietnamese people regularly connected online, equipping them with critical thinking skills, the ability to protect themselves online and raising awareness about labor exploitation is one of the most effective ways to prevent and combat human trafficking,” said Ms. Kendra Rinas, Head of Mission for IOM Vietnam.

In recent years, Vietnam has also seen a rise in “online kidnapping” scams, in which scammers use artificial intelligence (AI)-generated voices to impersonate authorities and isolate victims. This alarming situation highlights the increasingly urgent importance of digital skills, not just limited to technological skills, but also the ability to think critically to identify risks and make informed decisions.

Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Jim Nickel, emphasized: “Digital literacy is no longer a privilege - it is a shield. With more than 50% of human trafficking now taking place online, providing young people with the skills to ‘think before you click’ will make the difference between safety and exploitation. Canada’s support for the ThinkB4UClick initiative demonstrates our belief in the pioneering role of youth in preventing fraud in the digital space. When young people make their voices heard, together we build a digital ecosystem that protects dignity, rights and opportunity for all.”

Following the training, the trainees will launch digital media campaigns, targeting hundreds of young people nationwide. Through Facebook, TikTok, Zalo and Instagram, they will create relatable, accessible content to raise awareness of online fraud risks, promote safe migration and encourage community responsibility in the digital environment.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/trang-bi-kien-thuc-va-ky-nang-phong-chong-mua-ban-nguoi-cho-thanh-nien-217221.html