At the event, UNODC also introduced the campaign #TrappedInScamCrime in Viet Nam.
According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, in recent years human trafficking in the region and around the world has become increasingly complex.
The growing trafficking of people into scam centres has become a challenge for many countries, threatening security, social order, and safety, causing economic losses, and undermining human security.
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that Viet Nam always attaches great importance to combating human trafficking and is actively implementing the 2024 Law on Prevention and Combat of Human Trafficking, as well as the national programme on prevention and control of human trafficking for the 2026–2030 period with a vision to 2035.
The programme emphasises strict handling of acts that exploit cyberspace and high technologies to lure and organise trafficking activities. Viet Nam is also ready to strengthen cooperation with countries, international organisations, and relevant partners to prevent, detect, and effectively address this crime, based on a victim-centred approach.
Speaking at the opening session, Pauline Tamesis, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, said that prevention efforts also require closer cooperation with technology companies and online platforms — spaces often exploited by traffickers to deceive and recruit victims. By upholding international standards on business and human rights, companies play an important role in identifying and mitigating exploitation risks associated with their platforms.
John McIntyre, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the US Embassy in Viet Nam, said the United States stands ready to continue working with the Government of Viet Nam, UNODC, the International Justice Mission (IJM), and all regional partners to raise awareness, strengthen prevention efforts, enhance law enforcement cooperation, and support trafficking victims. He affirmed that such cooperation can make a meaningful difference.
Within the framework of the event, experts from across Southeast Asia presented the broader context of human trafficking aimed at forcing victims to commit criminal acts in scam centres; introduced the UNODC campaign #TrappedInScamCrime, and shared experiences in building a safer digital environment.
Speakers from relevant ministries and sectors, including the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defence, and the Ministry of Health, also discussed efforts to combat trafficking into scam centres and support victims, as well as solutions to promote community participation and cooperation in implementing the campaign in Viet Nam.
The #TrappedInScamCrime campaign initiated by UNODC has been implemented across the region since 2025 to raise awareness, strengthen prevention efforts, and enhance collective coordination amid the rapid rise of human trafficking for the purpose of forcing victims to commit criminal acts. The campaign calls for the participation of governments, civil society organisations, digital platforms, and young people.
