Vietnam demonstrates regional pioneering role in preventing and combating human trafficking

That is the comment of Mr. Jonathan Turley, Deputy Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP) of the US Department of State during his recent visit and work in Vietnam.

Mr. Jonathan Turley, Deputy Director of the Joint Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP) Office of the US Department of State, talks with reporters from The Gioi Va Viet Nam Newspaper. (Photo: Long Vu)

During his visit to Hanoi from January 13-14, Mr. Jonathan Turley, Deputy Director of the Joint Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP) Office of the US Department of State, had an exclusive interview with The World and Vietnam Newspaper, sharing his thoughts on Vietnam's efforts to prevent human trafficking in recent years.

Could you please tell us about the highlights of cooperation between Vietnam and the United States in preventing and combating human trafficking in recent years?

First of all, thank you for inviting me to participate in this interview today. Personally, I am very happy to be back in Vietnam. Ten years ago, when I was the Chief of Vietnam Affairs at the US Department of State, our two countries celebrated the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations. This time, returning to Hanoi, Vietnam is a joy and honor for me personally in the context that our two countries will celebrate the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations and have upgraded the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vietnam and the United States have promoted cooperation in many areas, and one of the important areas of cooperation is migration and combating human trafficking. This is a common challenge for both countries and a common priority for both governments. We have cooperated very closely together both bilaterally and in multilateral forums, including ASEAN, on this issue.

Over the years, the United States has supported many of Vietnam’s efforts to combat human trafficking. For example, we have a $10 million program to support partner agencies in Vietnam to help build government capacity to combat human trafficking. That is why I am here today on behalf of the J/TIP Office, to join hands to further promote the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership more effectively.

Roundtable discussion between the US Department of State's Joint Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP) and Vietnamese authorities on January 14 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters. (Photo: Long Vu)

How do you evaluate the results of your visit and work in Vietnam?

We had a very effective visit and work with partner agencies and specialized agencies in Vietnam related to the prevention and combat of human trafficking. We also had many exchanges and discussions with Vietnamese authorities during this visit and work.

I would like to congratulate the relevant Vietnamese agencies for achieving many very good and effective results in the work of preventing and combating human trafficking. Vietnam has issued many legal documents and implemented many different measures, and these measures have all brought practical results in the fight against human trafficking.

We have documented these efforts in our Trafficking in Persons (TIP) 2024 Report. For example, we have recorded increases in the number of investigations, prosecutions and convictions of trafficking crimes, and increases in the number of victims screened, identified and assisted compared to previous reports. These are all very important positive signs.

I would also like to commend Vietnam for completing the Migration Profile 2023. This is a very encouraging effort. In addition, Vietnam has repatriated more than 4,000 potential victims of human trafficking from online scam centers in countries in the region. Recently, Vietnam approved amendments to the 2011 Law on Prevention and Combating Human Trafficking, which I believe is a very important piece of legislation.

During the visit, we had very productive meetings and discussions with Vietnamese Government agencies. We discussed areas of possible cooperation. I encourage Vietnam to continue and strengthen its efforts in investigations, prosecutions, trials, as well as screening and support for potential victims of trafficking, especially for vulnerable groups and those identified as victims. And of course, we also discussed the implementation guidelines for the 2024 revised Law on Prevention and Combating Human Trafficking.

It can be said that we have had very effective discussions with Vietnamese agencies on measures so that the two countries can continue to cooperate effectively and achieve even higher goals in the coming time.

J/TIP Deputy Director praised Vietnam for completing the Migration Profile 2023. (Source: IOM)

Through your visit, how do you feel about Vietnam's efforts to prevent human trafficking in recent years?

Perhaps the answer to this question is a general statement that Vietnam has achieved many remarkable results in the prevention and combat of human trafficking in recent years. I would like to mention some of the following outstanding results:

First, the number of investigations, prosecutions, and trials of human trafficking crimes has increased. Accordingly, Vietnam has identified, screened, and assisted an increasing number of victims of human trafficking crimes.

Second , I think it is equally important to amend the Law on Prevention and Combat of Human Trafficking in 2024.

Third , strengthening the coordination and cooperation process between specialized agencies and competent authorities to build and enhance capacity to prevent human trafficking.

We hope that Vietnam will continue these efforts, especially in strengthening investigations, prosecutions and trials, and promoting screening, identification and support for victims, with a focus on certain vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. For example, those who have been tricked into being trafficked to online scam centers in countries in the region and some workers in high-risk sectors such as fishing.

In the context of increasing migration and increasingly sophisticated cybercrime, what solutions does Vietnam need to increase the effectiveness of preventing and combating human trafficking?

In the fight against human trafficking, online fraud has become very common in recent years. This is a serious regional challenge that affects both Vietnam and the United States, citizens of both our countries, as well as other countries in the region. We look forward to further cooperation with Vietnam to address this challenge.

Unfortunately, human traffickers are on the prowl, using increasingly sophisticated and complex tricks and tactics. They take full advantage of technological developments to scam and traffic people to online scam centers in the region.

This type of crime generates illegal income of up to millions or even billions of dollars each year. Many citizens and individuals who are tricked into working at online fraud centers have become victims of human trafficking and forced labor. This is clearly a big challenge.

We appreciate Vietnam’s proactive efforts in identifying victims and repatriating Vietnamese citizens trafficked to online fraud centers. Vietnam has demonstrated its pioneering and regional leadership role in the fight against human trafficking.

The United States looks forward to continuing to support Vietnam and other countries in the region in this area. We have many projects and programs to help countries, including Vietnam, build and enhance the capacity of enforcement officials to better screen people repatriated from online fraud centers for indicators of human trafficking to ensure the principle of non-punishment for victims of human trafficking if they are forced or coerced to commit crimes. So we have had very productive discussions with Vietnam and this is an area where the two countries have cooperated very closely and will continue to promote in the future.

Thank you!

The US State Department's J/TIP delegation and representatives of Vietnamese authorities attended the roundtable and took a souvenir photo. (Photo: Long Vu)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/viet-nam-the-hien-vai-tro-tien-phong-khu-vuc-trong-cong-tac-phong-chong-mua-ban-nguoi-300945.html