“Spot the Signs, Fight the Crime” shows Vietnam's strong commitment to tackling human trafficking

THE HANOI TIMES — The ongoing creative exhibition and interactive experience space in Hanoi, titled “Spot the Signs, Fight the Crime,” showcases Vietnam's strong commitment in the fight against human trafficking amid digital global trends.

Colonel Le Hoang Duong, Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Relations under the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), made this statement at the launch of the event, which runs until August 4.

The exhibition and experience space, together with a workshop titled "United for Change: Leaving No One Behind in the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons," is in response to the 2025 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and Vietnam's National Day Against Human Trafficking on July 30.

He emphasized that human trafficking threatens every nation's socio-economic situation and political security, and fuels illegal immigration, forced labor, drug and sex trafficking, and cyber fraud.

The event serves as a platform to shed light on trafficking trends, strengthen law enforcement and international cooperation, promote the use of technology to disrupt trafficking networks, and reaffirm the importance of victim-centered approaches.

"The MPS believes that this event, along with discussions with leading experts in preventing human trafficking and supporting victims, will spread positive messages and raise public awareness," said Duong.

"Spot the Signs, Fight the Crime" helps both participants and the public learn to recognize the signs of human trafficking through facts, figures, and real-life stories.

It raises awareness of human trafficking as an organized crime and equips visitors with the practical skills needed to protect themselves and others against this crime.

Additionally, it provides access to support resources and helps visitors make informed decisions about migration.

The event, jointly organized by the MPS and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Vietnam, brought together nearly 250 stakeholders from Vietnam's counter-trafficking community, including representatives from government agencies, United Nations bodies, international organizations, cybersecurity experts, and youth leaders.

Mitsue Pembroke, the IOM's Officer-in-Charge in Vietnam, commended the country's efforts to promote safe migration and prevent human trafficking, especially through the recent amendment to the 2024 Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Control.

"This is a remarkable milestone for Vietnam and reflects its strong commitment to tackling this crime," she stated. The revised law establishes a stronger foundation for addressing increasingly complex trafficking trends exacerbated by socioeconomic challenges,” she stated.

Pembroke also noted that, although youth are increasingly vulnerable to traffickers targeting them on online platforms, they have 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."

Echoing Pembroke's sentiments, Pauline Tamesis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, said that young people's creativity and digital fluency can power new solutions to prevent trafficking. Investing in youth empowers them to protect their peers and build resilient communities, she added.

Tamesis said that Vietnam is preparing to host the signing ceremony of the Hanoi Convention in October. The Hanoi Convention is the first global treaty to tackle cybercrime and marks a milestone in international cooperation to combat high-tech crimes, including human trafficking.

"Together, we must strengthen our commitments to protecting victims of trafficking, especially those in vulnerable communities and children, and to dismantling organized exploitation in the digital age," emphasized the official.

Marcus Winsley, Charge d’Affaires of the UK to Vietnam, said that Vietnam's efforts to promote safe migration and prevent human trafficking deserve high praise.

He said he had the opportunity to engage with some of the young change makers leading IOM Vietnam's efforts to promote safe migration and combat human trafficking. 

One year on, through 14 impactful initiatives, the work has directly reached over 11,800 individuals and engaged more than 780,000 people online, an inspiring testament to Vietnam’s dedication and determination to prevent this crime, Marcus Winsley told The Hanoi Times.

He urged Vietnamese youth to keep harnessing their creativity, energy, and determination to tackle the complexities of the digital age.

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed globally on July 30 to raise awareness of a crime that affects not only victims but also entire societies.

This year's theme, "Human Trafficking is Organized Crime: End the Exploitation," emphasizes the urgency of dismantling trafficking networks through coordinated law enforcement and justice sector responses, ensuring the protection of survivors.

In recent years, human trafficking has become more complex across the Asia-Pacific region. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Southeast Asia has seen a sharp increase in scam compounds run by transnational criminal groups. Employing sophisticated online schemes, these groups commit large-scale fraud.