Ha Noi, November 29, 2021 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in coordination with Ministry of Public Security, organized the closing workshop for the Project “Tackling Modern Slavery from Viet Nam” (TMSV) after the initial three years of implementation (2018-2021). The hybrid workshop welcomed in-person and online participants from international organizations, government agencies and partners from five project cities/provinces.

With support and funding from the UK Home Office Modern Slavery Fund, IOM Viet Nam, together with British Council, World Vision International in Viet Nam and governmental agencies, implemented diverse activities to counter human trafficking and tackle modern slavery through behaviour change, access to justice and reintegration support for victims of trafficking.

Workshop participants shared good practices and lessons learned for partnership coordination, working with the communities, and recommendations for future collaboration to sustain and enhance efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking in localities. 

Ms. Park Mihyung, Chief of Mission, IOM Viet Nam, shared at the workshop: “Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, human trafficking went even further underground and will continue to thrive. The global health crisis has further exacerbated existing disadvantages, poverty and vulnerabilities, creating a larger pool of vulnerable persons, who, due to their worsened economic situation, can easily fall prey to labor and sexual exploitation.”

“The project has achieved certain results, linking to the undeniable achievements as stated earlier by each partner in the different components: Prevention, Prosecution, and Protection. Building on the deepened multi-stakeholder partnership amongst agencies working to prevent and combat human trafficking, we are committed to creating long-lasting improvement in the overall trafficking in persons situation of the country”, said Ms. Park.

Building upon the legacy and lessons learned from the project, IOM will continue its efforts to enhance cooperation with the partners, while advocating for safe and regular migration and protecting the vulnerable. IOM is committed to facilitating dialogues and multi-stakeholder engagement to continue exploring areas for partnership to promote safe migration and combat human trafficking and modern slavery.