New Amendments to Vietnam’s Human Trafficking Law Set to Come Into Effect
Vietnam is making significant strides in its battle against human trafficking with new legal amendments aimed at providing enhanced protections and support for victims. The amendments, known as Section 61 of Chapter VIII of the Law on Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking, were approved by the National Assembly during its 15th session on November 28, 2024, and will officially take effect on July 1, 2025.
One of the key changes introduced is the addition of Article 6a to the existing legal framework, which now asserts, “Victims, individuals undergoing victim identification, and minors accompanying them are entitled to the protections set forth by the Law on Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking.” This change aims to streamline the process of identifying victims and ensuring they receive the necessary legal aid and support.
Alongside the new provisions, the amendments will also repeal certain previous articles, including point g of clause 7 under Article 7 of the Law on Legal Aid, which has been deemed obsolete. With these revisions, the earlier Law on Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking, established on July 11, 2011, will lose its legal standing once the new law is implemented, except for instances outlined under Section 63.
The updates coincide with broader efforts within Vietnam to create comprehensive support systems for individuals impacted by violence and exploitation. One notable initiative is the opening of the "Bồ Công Anh" (Dandelion) model, which emerged from collaborative efforts between multiple government agencies to offer holistic assistance to women and children at risk of abuse. Established at the Hùng Vương Hospital, this service, since its launch in March 2023, has garnered trust as it provides victim-centered care.
An illustrative case was recently reported involving 14-year-old G.N., who became pregnant after being assaulted. G.N., who has lost both parents and was living with her grandmother and brother, found herself without support after her ordeal. Fortunately, the Dandelion center facilitated her medical care, including surgeries and several hospital visits, leading to the healthy delivery of her daughter after overcoming significant health challenges.
Another poignant example is the case of L.A., who fled her abusive husband during her eighth month of pregnancy. With no place to stay, she relied on Bồ Công Anh for refuge, where she received immediate assistance, including health care and psychological support. Following the birth of her child, L.A. was offered options for her family’s future, demonstrating the center’s commitment to ensuring safety and reintegration for individuals who have suffered violence.
Dr. Phạm Quốc Hùng, head of the social work department at Hùng Vương Hospital, emphasized the efficiency of the Dandelion model, which allows victims to recount their trauma just once for support and documentation. Despite this, he noted the prevalent silence among victims due to societal pressures, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and community backing.
According to statistics reported by Le Van Thinh, former director of the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City, the Dandelion initiative has assisted 188 victims over the past two years, with 160 instances of “children giving birth to children.” Alarmingly, many of these victims, particularly those aged 14-17, live without familial support or adequate resources to escape their circumstances.
Thinh stated, “The Dandelion model aims to take the victim-centered approach to the next level by ensuring individuals have access to one-stop services for mental health and legal assistance. The challenge lies when families refuse assistance or do not report incidents to authorities.” He emphasized the need for empowerment and opportunities for victims to reclaim their lives.
This innovative support model recently expanded, allowing three additional hospitals—Bệnh viện Nhi đồng Thành phố, Bệnh viện Nhi đồng 1, and Bệnh viện Chấn thương chỉnh hình tp.HCM—to adopt similar frameworks for addressing violence against children and unintended pregnancies.
For individuals needing assistance or reporting suspected abuse, several hotlines and support services are now available, including the National Child Protection Hotline at 111 and the consulting hotline at 1900 54 55 59. Community members are encouraged to actively participate and report issues to protect vulnerable children and women.
The newly amended law and the initiation of comprehensive support systems are necessary steps toward curbing human trafficking and protecting victims’ rights. Moving forward, the challenge remains to create lasting and effective mechanisms ensuring victims can lead safer, empowered lives.