English - CEDAW Southeast Asia

CEDAW and the Law:
TRAFFICKING 7
Trafficking in women and children is prohibited in Articles 119 and 120 the Penal Code and in
Article 8(6) of the Decree on Children Law. These laws do not define “trafficking” but the
Resolution on Penal Code provides a definition of “trading in children”. Vietnamese laws, including
the Labour Code, Law on Guest Workers and the Penal Code also have good coverage of
offences that are committed in the course of trafficking and its many aspects. In July 2004, the
National Plan of Action Against Trafficking was adopted and focuses on four major components
that are fleshed out in the Decision on Trafficking: (a) communication and education; (b) fight
against crime; (c) receipt and support of returning victims; and (d) development of legal framework
on trafficking. The plan and projects are moves in the right direction. However, it must be
noted that some of these interventions are best contained in legislation rather than in a plan
and/or project document.
Some improvements are suggested. It is recommended that a definition of trafficking be
provided in law consistent with Article 3 of the Trafficking Protocol. Consideration should also be
given to supplementing the circumstances that aggravate trafficking in women and children. It is
also recommended that explicit stipulation must be made that police, border guards, medical
practitioners, procurators, the courts, social workers and other personnel who deal with trafficked
victims, especially in key localities, must receive specialized training and assistance in handling
trafficking cases and victims.
Further, while under Vietnamese laws trafficked persons are generally treated as victims
rather than as criminals, the absence of an explicit provision that exempts these victims from
prosecution may work to instill fear of prosecution and punishment, leading to non-reporting of
cases. It is recommended, therefore, that an explicit provision excluding victims of trafficking from
prosecution in relation to acts that are committed as a direct consequence of their situation of trafficking
- for example, engaging in prostitution, use of illegal or forge documents, or illegal entry
and exit - be stipulated.
16
Supplementary measures to address trafficking in women and children must be provided
in legal documents, including: (a) protection orders that can be issued ex parte on the day
requested (and People’s Committee’s heads and the court must be competent to issue such
orders); (b) developing and strengthening witness protection programmes, and providing priority
to trafficking victims and their families; (b) procedures on confidentiality; (c) repatriation of victims
of trafficking regardless of their status and whether legally or illegally abroad; and (d) mandatory
recovery and reintegration must include emergency shelters or appropriate housing, counselling,
medical and psychological services, free legal services, educational assistance to trafficked children,
livelihood and skills training, and assistance relating to nationality claims, residence certificates,
birth certificates and other matters relating to civil status registration. It is suggested that
the responsibilities of Vietnamese embassies and consulates must be stipulated in law, which
should include a responsibility (to endeavor) to provide victims in a foreign country with: (a) emergency
shelter; (b) protection and safety; (c) counselling and medical/ psychological assistance;
and (d) legal assistance.
7
Decision on Trafficked Women and Children was issued. However, as no English version is available, this was not
included in this legal review.
Executive summary