Vietnam steps up online fight against human trafficking

At a national dialogue in Hanoi on July 28, nearly 250 participants – including government officials, international partners, civil society representatives, and youth leaders – gathered to address rising human trafficking risks. The event focused on emerging trends, cross-border cooperation, and the growing use of technology to disrupt trafficking networks, while reaffirming a victim-centred approach and the vital role of young people in driving change.

The World Day against Trafficking in Persons, observed globally on July 30, raises awareness of a crime that harms individuals and undermines entire societies. Efforts to combat human trafficking are increasingly focussed on dismantling organised criminal networks through coordinated law enforcement and justice sector action, while ensuring survivors receive full protection and support.

Human trafficking has become increasingly complex across the Asia–Pacific in recent years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Southeast Asia has seen a surge in scam compounds run by transnational crime syndicates involved in advanced online fraud.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reports that the number of trafficking victims forced into criminal activity in Southeast Asia’s online scamming centres tripled in just one year – from 296 in 2022 to 978 in 2023. These criminal groups deceive online users and exploit individuals who are forcibly recruited to work for them.

Many victims – often young and educated – are deceived by promises of high-paying jobs, only to have their passports seized and be subjected to confinement, violence, sexual abuse, and forced participation in online scams. These scams include fake investment offers, cryptocurrency fraud, impersonation schemes, and 'pig butchering' operations, where perpetrators build trust with victims over time before defrauding them of large sums.

Mitsue Pembroke, IOM officer-in-charge in Vietnam, commended the country’s efforts to promote safe migration and combat human trafficking, highlighting its leadership in revising the Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat in 2024.

"This is a remarkable milestone for Vietnam and reflects its strong commitment to tackling this crime. The revised law lays a stronger foundation for addressing increasingly complex trafficking trends, which are exacerbated by socioeconomic challenges," said Pembroke.

With nearly 2.4 billion youth worldwide, this is the largest generation in history. Among the 281 million international migrants, approximately 11.3 per cent are below 24 years old. In Vietnam, over 22 million young people aged 16 to 30 are considering moving from their hometowns, searching for better work and study opportunities.

Mitsue emphasised that while the youth are increasingly vulnerable to traffickers exploiting online platforms, they also hold the power to drive meaningful change.

"Their creativity, energy and digital fluency position them to develop innovative solutions to combat trafficking in the digital age. Investing in youth protects their peers and strengthens community resilience," said Mitsue.

"As Vietnam prepares to host the signing of the Hanoi Convention, the first-ever global treaty dedicated to addressing cybercrime, it marks a pivotal moment in international cooperation against cyber-enabled crimes, including human trafficking," said Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator said.

"Together, we must strengthen our commitments to protecting trafficking victims - especially vulnerable communities and children and to dismantling organised exploitation in the digital age," she added.

The dialogue also featured a side event, an exhibition and interactive experience space where participants and the public actively engaged in learning to recognise the signs of human trafficking through facts, figures, and real-life stories.

The space aimed to raise awareness of trafficking as an organised crime and equip visitors with practical skills to protect themselves and others, access support resources, and make informed migration decisions.

Vietnam strengthens position of hospitality property market

Vietnam Customs strengthens private sector ties

Vietnam Airlines earns accolade for ESG efforts

Eight arrested for trafficking drugs from Laos

Cross-border drug trafficking ring busted in Quang Binh province

Cambodia intensifies crackdown on human trafficking