DIALOGUE WITH LEADERS: YOUTH ACTIVELY LEADING AWARENESS-RAISING CAMPAIGNS TO PREVEN HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Mme. Nguyen Thi Minh Huong, Vice President of the Viet Nam Women's Union;

Excellency Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Viet Nam;

Ms. Phan Thi Minh Giang, DDG of Consular Department, MOFA

Excellencies Ambassadors; Representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations;

Leaders and representatives of ministries;

Chief of Mission of IOM;

Distinguished participants;

And my greatest honour today is welcoming more than 200 young CHANGEMAKERS,

On behalf of the United Nations in Viet Nam, I thank the Government of Viet Nam, particularly the Central Women Union and the UK Government for organizing this important event. 

The National and World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is an important occasion for the counter-trafficking community to come together, review collective efforts, and look to the future.

Viet Nam’s commitment and efforts to promote safe migration and prevent human trafficking deserve recognition. 

It has been 13 years since the Viet Nam’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) law became effective. The Government of Viet Nam has issued National Plans of Action on Combating and Preventing Human Trafficking every 5-year since 2005. In particular, the 4th NPA for the period of 2021-2025, with a vision to 2030, is a cornerstone of the national efforts. 

The revision of the 2011 Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat also marks an important milestone. This revision provides a stronger foundation for addressing complex trends in trafficking in persons, which are exacerbated by socio-economic challenges.

In addition, increased attention to investigation and identification of various forms of trafficking helps to vastly improve identification and assistance to victims – a clear demonstration of Government’s commitment to streamlining inter-agency coordination and referrals, as well as implementing a whole-of-government approach.

Challenges remain, however.

Young people of today face a dual-edged reality in the fight against trafficking. As digital natives, young people are increasingly vulnerable to traffickers who exploit online platforms to prey on them. 

However, young people also hold the power to drive significant changes. Their dynamism, creativity, and tech-savviness uniquely position them to develop innovative solutions to combat trafficking in the digital age.

This year, the theme for the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is -- “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” The theme underscores the importance of inclusive efforts to protect children, including through addressing risk and vulnerability, enhancing resilience, and strengthening protection.

According to UNODC’s Global Trafficking in Persons Report, one in three victims of human trafficking globally is a child – although in some regions the proportion is much higher – and children are twice as likely as adults to face violence while being trafficked.

Findings from IOM’s joint research with Harvard University show that no age group, gender, or nationality is immune. In more than 50 per cent of cases, family members or friends are involved.

We must unite to tackle these challenges, beginning with the engagement of youth in crafting key advocacy messages for human trafficking prevention campaigns. Let’s act now to create a supportive environment for youth-led advocacy. Young people can drive social and behavioural change. We must assist them in realizing their full potential delivering on the promise of migration.

The upcoming Summit of the Future in New York offers a chance to discuss important issues shaping our today and tomorrow, including on migration. At the Summit, there will be a strong focus on youth and future generations.

The Pact of the Future provides an opportunity for concrete, action-oriented commitments towards strengthening the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making at all levels. The Summit also aims to ensure that the positive contributions of migrants are recognized; and that regular migration is promoted to address the drivers of irregular migration, while ensuring the safety, dignity, and human rights of all migrants.

On behalf of the United Nations in Viet Nam, I congratulate all of you – changemakers leading IOM’s initiatives for safe migration and human trafficking prevention programme. With your vigilance and innovation, we are already fighting against trafficking. 

Initiatives like the “Migration Diary” at Do Luong 4 High School, drawing contests, interactive games and online communications campaigns, have mobilized participation of thousands of community members and reached more than 255,000 people. These impressive numbers prove the transformative power of youth in combating human trafficking

Let us continue to harness the creativity, energy, and resolve of Vietnamese youth to confront these complexities of the digital age.

By investing in education, empowering through knowledge and skills, and championing young people’s initiatives, we can confront immediate threats. Young people can and are already inspiring the global movement for transformative change. 

Together, we can turn the tide against trafficking in persons. We can build a future where every child can thrive in safety and dignity.

Thank you.