Vietnam prosecutes 178 human traffickers in H1

The figures were announced during a national rally held in Hue City, central Vietnam on Thursday to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and Vietnam’s Day Against Human Trafficking (July 30).

The event gathered over 600 participants and was jointly organized by the Ministry of Public Security, the Vietnam Women’s Union, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, and the Hue City People’s Committee.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh said that human trafficking is an inhumane crime, emphasizing the need for collective action to combat it.

He called law enforcement forces and residents to join hands to stop this crime.

Citing data from judicial agencies, the deputy prime minister revealed that aside from the 50 newly prosecuted cases, courts have concluded proceedings in 72 cases during the same period, delivering verdicts against 237 defendants.

Many received severe penalties, reflecting the government’s firm stance against trafficking.

He ordered all departments and local authorities to focus on eight key missions, including strengthening legal frameworks, dismantling trafficking networks, enhancing public awareness, and boosting international cooperation.

“Let every individual and every locality act with heart and responsibility to protect women, children, and the community,” he urged.

Addressing the event, Hue City chairman Nguyen Van Phuong reaffirmed the city’s commitment to the fight against trafficking.

He highlighted a significant case in August 2024, in which Hue police busted a ring trafficking children under 16 to Cambodia and rescued three victims.

“This is a long-term, ongoing political mission. Every citizen of Hue is a steel shield in this fight,” he declared.

Deputy Minister of Public Security Le Quoc Hung warned that trafficking networks are increasingly sophisticated, organized, and transnational.

Traffickers often exploit digital technology, migration trends, and legal loopholes to operate.

Hung noted that the newly enacted 2024 Law on Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking provides a stronger legal foundation to combat the crime effectively.