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As with many of its neighbours, human trafficking is a growing problem
in Vietnam and China. This paper contributes to the current debate on
development and humanitarian policy issues related to human trafficking.
The study identifies the legal framework against human trafficking in
Vietnam and China, and also explores governmental intervention on the
issue in both countries. The author also reviews the literature and other
documents related to human trafficking from Vietnam to China. In addition
to these, the paper also sheds light on the concept of trafficking and its
relation with prostitution and migration.
The author notes the following as the main challenges to fighting human
trafficking in Vietnam and China:
- lack of awareness, shortage of resources and cooperation between law
enforcers (at national and regional level), corruption and lack of
enforcement make systematic implementation difficult (IOM 2000: 34,36).
Both countries have no specific trafficking laws. And in both countries
human trafficking issue is less on agenda than drug smuggling. This may
hinder the ability of Vietnam and China to combat human trafficking in a
range of ways.
- trafficking in women and children is often addressed as a problem
related to illegal migration and social evil in Vietnam as well as in
China. Without a clear distinction between trafficking and migration,
the anti-trafficking intervention may have direct or indirect impact in
a person’ s right to mobility and to be protected in some certain
circumstances. Moreover, the trafficking may become more underground.
- lack of legal and social environment that is protective of the
rights of trafficked victims. This may cause difficulty for community
integration support efforts. Victims back and leave due to
discrimination against them. Thus it is important to change traditional
value of filial duty of daughters and inequality in the value placed on
girls and boys in rural communities in areas vulnerable to trafficking.
- lack of concrete data and solid body of research: given the nature
of trafficking and its often hidden activities from any form of
monitoring, it is very difficult to develop statistics accurately
reflect the magnitude of the number of trafficked persons from Vietnam
to China. Consequently, figures are estimated by governments, UN and
other international agencies and international NGOs.
The study recommends that the Government response should be:
- to promote a clearer legal framework which recognizes and
acknowledges basic rights of trafficked people (before, mid and after
being trafficked).
- To build capacity for law enforcement units and introduce system of
inspection and evaluation of law enforcement.
- more awareness raising campaign across the country to empower women
and children who are vulnerable to human trafficking activities. More
gender responsive approaches in anti-trafficking.
- to mainstream reintegration services such as credit and savings
project, and small enterprises training and within other community-based
livelihood projects and to integrate Oxfam development project into the
combating against trafficking.
Further cooperation initiatives can be:
- more cross-border initiatives cooperations. Cooperation with
international NGOs, mass organizations and police forces in both
countries. Build cross-border database, training qualified human
resources.
- closer investigation and analysis in order to clarify the dynamics
of trafficking across the border of China and Vietnam, and offer better
intervention mechanism.
- stronger multi-bilateral agreement on cross border trafficking
similar to campaign against drug smuggling. Development of MOU on human
trafficking.
[Adapted from author.]
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